The role of cultural literacy and peace education in harmonization of religious communities

Abstract

This study investigated the role of cultural literacy and peace education in religious harmonization of different communities in Kepaksian Sekala Brak, an Islamic-style kingdom in the province of Lampung, Indonesia, that followed Hinduism from the third century until it adopted Islam in the 16th century. A qualitative research approach was used with an ethnographic approach to determine the socio-cultural meaning of a particular community group. Data collection techniques included observation methods, open interviews, and documentation studies. The findings revealed that traditional leaders play an important role in Sekala Brak’s cultural literacy and peace education. Indigenous leaders assist the state government system, build local politics, and harmonize religious communities, as evidenced by the concepts and objectives of the traditional leadership of Kepaksian Sekala Brak. Indigenous community Kepaksian Sekala Brak,Lampung, was formed from the concept of cultural acculturation, which gave rise to new cultural assimilation. This new culture, called muakhi culture, is a form of brotherhood. In the harmonization of religious communities, Suttan Saibatin instills the piil pesenggiri principle, which contains human values, including mutual cooperation, mutual friendship, openness to the environment, and acceptance of immigrants. In conclusion, culture and peace education in indigenous communities can facilitate harmonization of religious communities that do not highlight one of their religious values. The government must support cultural literacy and peace education for indigenous communities to enable harmonization of religious communities throughout the archipelago.