Religious Moderation among Poor Families: Understanding, Practices, and Educational Strategies to Prevent Radicalism and Foster Social Harmony

Religious moderation plays a vital role in fostering social harmony in Indonesia. Unfortunately, the promotion of religious moderation often does not reach vulnerable communities, especially the urban poor who are massively exposed to the flow of information. This study examines how poor urban families conceptualize and practice religious moderation, particularly in relation to national commitment, tolerance, nonviolence, and accommodation of local culture. Using a grounded theory approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation in six provincial cities. The study findings show that despite experiencing economic hardship, poor families demonstrate a nuanced understanding of religious moderation, characterized by strong national loyalty, practical tolerance, and cultural integration. However, informal gaps education and exposure to radical influences remain challenges. This study highlights the need for local education strategies and community-based interventions to strengthen religious moderation among disadvantaged communities.