It is a fact to say that Indonesia is a country with a very diverse culture, religion, ethnicity. Reporting from the official website of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia's population in 2023 will reach 278.8 million people. With such a large population, it is not unusual for Indonesians to have a variety of beliefs and religions. Through TAP MPR Number 1 of 1965 and Law Number 5 of 1969, the Indonesian government inaugurated six religions in Indonesia, namely Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.

In 2003, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism wrote that there were at least 245 local religions in Indonesia. This figure is good news in the sense that beliefs in Indonesia are very diverse, as well as bad news, because Indonesian society must be presented with challenges in a diverse religion. In responding to and taking definite steps, moderation in religion is certainly necessary.

Basically, what is meant by religious moderation is an approach or attitude that emphasizes understanding, tolerance and balance in carrying out their respective religious practices. The word moderate in the KBBI means always avoiding extreme behavior or expressions, or it is also said to tend towards or dimension the middle path.

Cases in the name of religion, such as bombings in church areas by Muslims, stem from a lack of implementation of religious moderation. With religion that has been at least formalized by the government (6 religions), it is appropriate for Indonesian society to apply the principles of religious moderation. With religious moderation, it is hoped that a nation will be born that is tolerant, respects each other, and eliminates cynicism between religious adherents in implementing the laws of their respective religions.

According to Quraish Shihab, in implementing religious moderation there are at least three main elements that must be considered, or there are three conditions that must be met before implementing religious moderation. First, is having knowledge. This is a very absolute requirement to be able to implement religious moderation. How is it possible that a person will be able to exercise religious moderation if he does not know about his religion, about religious moderation, and the like? So, this is very mandatory in order to create a moderate society.

Second, is controlling emotions. Basically, it's not just religious moderation that requires controlling emotions, but more about everything. Emotions are very important to control, because uncontrolled emotions will justify all means so that the ego can be fulfilled. Likewise with religious moderation, mutual respect for the religious practices of followers of other religions is necessary, and there is emotional control in it.

Third, be consistently careful. Of course this is something that cannot be negotiated no matter what the circumstances. Religious moderation requires caution

Author: Jasmiko
Photo Source: Pexels