The Role of Traditional Authority of Islamic Religious Figures in Strengthening Religious Moderation in Local Communities

Structural strengthening of religious moderation carried out by the state only reaches Muslim societies living in urban areas, while the majority of the Muslim population in Indonesia lives in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the traditional authority of Islamic religious figures (ulama and kiai) in strengthening religious moderation in the Puja Mandala area, Bali, Indonesia. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. The data analysis uses a critical descriptive approach. The results of the study indicate that the promotion of Islamic religious moderation in rural communities is successful by integrating state efforts with a structural approach and a cultural approach in promoting religious moderation in the community. Strengthening moderation carried out by ulama and kiai is carried out in several ways, including strengthening national commitment, instilling values of tolerance between religious communities, instilling anti-violence values, and by accommodating local culture. Strengthening moderation is carried out through suitable education for students in Islamic boarding schools and the spirit of nationalism is promoted in the surrounding community. Strengthening through tolerance is done by inviting the community to help each other including people of different religions in various ways. So, the role of ulama and kiai has proven effective in creating religious moderation because the community follows the teachings of such Islamic religious figures. This study provides evidence that the implications that the role of Islamic religious figures in creating religious moderation must be optimized and expanded in area. The promotion of religious moderation carried out by the state thus far, has been more optimal when using a structural approach that is implemented in an integrated manner including the personal approach of traditional leaders such as important Islamic religious figures.