Peran Penyuluh Agama dalam Penguatan Moderasi Beragama Berbasis Komunitas: Studi Kualitatif di KUA Pakualaman Yogyakarta

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of religious instructors in strengthening community-based religious moderation at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) of Pakualaman, Yogyakarta. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study design to gain an in-depth understanding of religious counseling practices within a plural urban community. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving six informants, including religious instructors, community leaders, and community members. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify patterns of roles and strategies applied in community-based religious moderation. The findings reveal that religious instructors perform four key roles: internalizing values of religious moderation, providing consultative guidance, mediating socio-religious conflicts, and advocating ethical pluralism. These roles significantly contribute to shaping religious practices characterized by tolerance, dialogue, and non-confrontational attitudes. The study demonstrates that religious moderation is more effectively cultivated through dialogical approaches and sustained social relationships rather than purely normative or regulatory measures. This research contributes to the development of community-based religious outreach perspectives and offers policy implications for strengthening contextual and participatory religious moderation strategies at the local level.