Journal of Contemporary Islam and Muslim Societies
Vol 9, No 2 (2025)

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' MULTICULTURAL ATTITUDES IN NORTH SUMATRA: Insights for Multicultural Education in Indonesia

OK, Azizah Hanum (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Arsyad, Junaidi (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Budianti, Yusnaili (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines the multicultural attitudes of university students in North Sumatra, Indonesia, and explores their implications for advancing multicultural education in higher education. Using a phenomenological case study approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with fifteen students representing diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The findings indicate that students consistently demonstrated tolerance, empathy, and appreciation of cultural diversity, but also faced challenges in intercultural communication, particularly due to language differences. These results underscore the urgent need for universities to strengthen multicultural education by addressing linguistic diversity and implementing inclusive pedagogical practices. The novelty of this study lies in its contextual evidence from North Sumatra, which enriches the discourse on multicultural education that has often been dominated by theoretical discussions. Accordingly, this research provides both empirical and practical insights that can inform the development of more inclusive policies and practices in Indonesian higher education.Keywords: Multicultural attitudes, multicultural education, diversity, tolerance

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JCIMS

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Contemporary Islam and Muslim Societies (JCIMS) is a peer reviewed academic journal, established in 2016 as part of the Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sumatera Utara, Medan, dedicated to the publication of scholarly articles in various branches of contemporary Islam and Muslim societies ...