Higher Education Role and Strategy to Foster Interreligious Studies Among University Students

Abstract This study examines the role of higher education institutions in promoting interreligious understanding within today’s diverse society. Specifically, it explores the strategies, challenges, and outcomes of integrating interreligious studies into university curricula. This research uses a qualitative exploratory case study design to focus on Universitas Negeri Surabaya in Indonesia. Data were collected through document analysis, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews with five faculty members and 15 students. The findings reveal that structured curriculum integration, faculty mentorship, and interfaith extracurricular activities contribute to increased religious literacy, empathy, and social cohesion. However, challenges such as faculty resistance, student disengagement, and institutional constraints hinder the full implementation of interreligious education. This study highlights the need for innovative pedagogical approaches and institutional commitment to foster religious diversity and tolerance among university students.