Ethical leadership in religious institutions: fostering social cohesion in a multicusltural Indonesian community

Purpose This study aims to examine how ethical leadership fosters social cohesion within multicultural communities, focusing on Masjid Kapal Munzalan in Indonesia. It explores the role of Islamic values – akhlak (moral character), maslahah (public welfare) and amanah (trustworthiness) – in promoting social cohesion. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative case study approach, this research includes interviews, observations and secondary data analysis. Participants included mosque leaders, committee members, volunteers and local Chinese convert. Gioia methodology was applied to identify key themes within this setting. Findings Ethical leadership at Masjid Kapal Munzalan integrates Islamic values of akhlak (moral character), amanah (trustworthiness) and maslahah (public welfare) into three core dimensions: Ethically Guided Community Engagement, Commitment to Integrity and Accountability and Ethical Role Modeling. These practices align Islamic moral principles with universal ethical standards, fostering social cohesion. Initiatives like Tetangga Bahagia and waqf-funded projects demonstrate how such leadership unites diverse communities. Research limitations/implications This study enriches ethical leadership literature by demonstrating how Islamic values shape religious leadership practices, showing the model’s adaptability in multicultural contexts. Practical implications The leadership model at Masjid Kapal Munzalan offers practical insights for religious institutions aiming to foster interfaith collaboration. Leaders can adopt culturally sensitive approaches to bridge divides, enhancing trust and inclusivity. Originality/value This study uniquely examines ethical leadership in an Indonesian Islamic institution, integrating Islamic and universal ethical principles to present a replicable model for social harmony in religious contexts.