Journal of Pedagogi
Vol. 2 No. 6 (2025): Journal of Pedagogi-December

Character Education in a Multicultural Context: Strategies for Strengthening Values of Tolerance in Schools

Rinovian Rais (Universitas Indraprasta PGRI Jakarta)
Muslimin Muslimin (IAI DDI Polewali Mandar)
Lathifah Zulty (Universitas Negeri Padang)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Dec 2025

Abstract

Schools in Indonesia increasingly reflect a multicultural social reality characterized by religious, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. In this context, character education is often positioned as a key instrument for strengthening tolerance. However, character education practices are not always effective when implemented normatively and uniformly without considering the social dynamics of multicultural schools. This study aims to analyze strategies for strengthening tolerance values through character education in multicultural school settings and to explore the social and pedagogical dynamics shaping students’ tolerance. A qualitative approach was employed using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis in schools with a clear multicultural background. The findings indicate that character education is effective when implemented contextually and dialogically through the integration of tolerance values into daily learning, cross-identity social interactions, and inclusive school culture. Teachers act as value mediators, while tolerance is constructed through social negotiation rather than value indoctrination. Nevertheless, the implementation of multicultural character education faces structural challenges, including differences between family and school values, implicit bias, limited teacher capacity, and symbolic policy implementation. This study highlights the importance of reflective and adaptive approaches in character education to sustainably strengthen tolerance in multicultural school contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JOP

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The journal publishes all original articles on current issues and trends occurring internationally within the scope of education such as, science education, social science, religion, language, ...