Model for reconstructing religious tolerance post terrorist acts through intercultural communication and religious literacy: A case study in Surakarta Indonesia

Mukari, Mukari
Rahardjo, Mudjia
Maksum, Ali
Anas, Mohamad

Wacana, Jurnal Sosial dan Humaniora
Article in Press: WACANA

Objective: This study aims to analyse the process of reconstructing religious tolerance after the terrorist attacks in Surakarta (a medium-size city) and to identify factors contributing to the restoration of interfaith relations through a social and cultural approach.Design/Methods/Approach: Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, this study involved interfaith leaders, local government, and civil society communities active in peace movements and interfaith dialogue. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentary studies, then analysed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model with source, technique, and time triangulation techniques to ensure data validity.Findings: The results show that the reconstruction of tolerance in Solo took place in three main stages: post- traumatic social recovery, strengthening of interfaith solidarity, and institutionalisation of tolerance values through public policy. Three key aspects contributed to the success of this process: Javanese local wisdom (harmonious, tolerance, collaborative), intercultural communication through arts activities and public dialogue, and institutional support from the Forum for Religious Harmony (FRH), The National Unity and Politics Agency (NUPA), and the city government.Originality/Value: This process formed a model of social reconstruction based on religious literacy and intercultural communication that effectively strengthened social harmony. In conclusion, the people of Solo have successfully transformed the trauma caused by terrorism into new social energy to strengthen interfaith cohesion.Practical/Policy implication: This study contributes to the development of theory and practice of social reconstruction based on local wisdom in the study of the sociology of religion and multicultural public policy. Preventing radicalism and post-terror social recovery need to go beyond a security approach. Regional governments need to design tolerance policies based on local wisdom, religious literacy, intercultural communication, interfaith spaces, and sustainable, participatory collaboration between the Interfaith Communication Forum (ICF), education, cultural communities, religious leaders, youth, and civil society.