Conceptual reconstruction of religious moderation in the Indonesian context based on previous research: Bibliometric analysis

This study aims to analyze previous research on religious moderation in Indonesia published between 2020 and 2024 to answer the following questions: (1) What is the bibliometric description of scientific publications on religious moderation in Indonesia (2020–2024)? What are the trends and patterns of discussion in research on religious moderation in Indonesia? What are the thematic distribution and research gaps in Indonesia's religious moderation study? This study used a bibliometric approach, analyzing 71 publications indexed in the Scopus database using VOSviewer and Bibliometrics software. Citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and thematic mapping were conducted to visualize the intellectual structure in the field. The findings show that religious moderation in Indonesia is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that integrates socio-religious, cultural, and implementation dimensions. Key themes that emerged include the role of education in promoting moderation, the interaction between moderation and local cultural values, and moderation as a strategy to counter radicalism and promote social harmony. The analysis also highlights the centrality of concepts such as tolerance, multiculturalism, and national commitment in discussions on religious moderation. Its main contribution is to shape the insights of academics, religious practitioners, and especially the government in creating harmonious and moderate inter-religious relations in Indonesia. • Religious moderation in Indonesia is multidimensional, integrating social, cultural, and practical aspects beyond religious views. • Education is key to promoting religious moderation; all institutions and stakeholders help instill its values and maintain harmony. • Religious moderation in Indonesia is rooted in local values, with culture-based approaches shaping contextual moderate views. • Religious moderation builds social resilience and is key to harmony in Indonesia’s diverse, multicultural society. • Bibliometric analysis: religious moderation research in Indonesia evolved from conceptual to operational, becoming a model for harmony.