Religious Freedom and Interfaith Tolerance in Establishing Harmonious Society

Abstrak

Religious freedom and interfaith tolerance are two fundamental aspects of creating a harmonious society. This research examines the interrelationship between religious freedom and tolerance in a multicultural society and identifies the main factors that lead to increased intolerance and discrimination against religious minorities. Using a literature study approach, this research analyzes various academic sources from reputable publications to understand the obstacles to realizing religious freedom and tolerance amid social diversity. The results show that rising intolerance is caused by a lack of understanding of religious differences, the influence of radicalism, and discriminatory policies towards minority groups. In addition, major obstacles to realizing religious freedom include low multicultural awareness, lack of interfaith dialogue, and the role of the media which often exacerbates negative stereotypes. Lack of diversity-based education also contributes to ignorance and prejudice that exacerbate social conflicts. Collective efforts from the government, educational institutions and society are needed to instill the values of tolerance through inclusive policies and effective multicultural education. The conclusion of this research emphasizes that religious freedom and tolerance should be strengthened through fair policy approaches, continuous education, and more open communication between religious groups. A more harmonious, inclusive and respectful society can be created.