Challenges of Religious-based Schools in Implementing Multicultural Education
Supsiloani Supsiloani- Baiduri, Ratih- Amal, Bakhrul Khair- Hidayat- Puspitawati-Samosir, Sri Lestari

faculty of social sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by the Islamic Center Foundation of North Sumatra in implementing multicultural education in the school environment. As an Islamic-based educational institution, this foundation has a strategic role in building awareness of the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and appreciation of diversity in a multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the main challenges faced include resistance to values from some school residents, limited teacher understanding of the concept of multicultural education, lack of special training, and the perception of exclusivity of religious identity that hinders acceptance of cultural and belief diversity. In addition, limited policy support from external institutions also complicates the implementation process. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening the capacity of educators, developing a curriculum that is responsive to the multicultural context, and more progressive policy support to realize inclusive and harmonious education in religious-based schools.

Keywords: multicultural education, implementation challenges, religious-based schools, Islamic Center Foundation of North Sumatra, diversity

Topic: Social Science, Linguistics, Foreign Language and Humanities