INTERFAITH ENCOUNTERS AND CROSS-CULTURAL RELIGIOUS LITERACY: LESSONS FROM A SCHOOL VISIT PROGRAM IN MAKASSAR, INDONESIA

Abstract

This study examines the implementation and contribution of a cross-cultural school visit program to strengthening students’ intercultural religious literacy at As Shalihin Islamic Boarding School and Elim School in Makassar, Indonesia. The study responds to the persistence of social distance, stereotypes, and limited interaction between students from pesantren and students from other faith-based educational environments. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and reflective notes involving students and teacher mentors from both institutions. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with source triangulation used to strengthen the trustworthiness of the findings. The findings show that the school visit program contributed positively to students’ intercultural religious literacy in three dimensions. Cognitively, students gained a more concrete understanding of religious practices, learning cultures, and moral values in other institutions. Affectively, students developed empathy, openness, tolerance, and appreciation for difference. Socially, students showed greater confidence in cross-cultural communication and collaboration through dialogue, group reflection, and follow-up activities. This study contributes to Islamic Studies by demonstrating that cross-cultural religious literacy can be strengthened through educational practices rooted in the Islamic values of ta’aruf, tasamuh, ukhuwwah insaniyah, Islam wasathiyah, and rahmatan lil ’alamin. This is the Islamic educational for nurturing religious moderation and peaceful coexistence in Indonesia’s plural society.