Research Article
Challenges for Religious-Based Schools in Implementing Multicultural Education
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.16-9-2025.2361060, author={Supsiloani Supsiloani and Ratih Baiduri and Bakhrul Khair Amal and Hidayat Hidayat and Puspitawati Puspitawati and Sry Lestari Samosir}, title={Challenges for Religious-Based Schools in Implementing Multicultural Education}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Innovation in Education, Science, and Culture, ICIESC 2025, 16 September 2025, Medan, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICIESC}, year={2026}, month={3}, keywords={multicultural education implementation challenges faith-based school north sumatra islamic center foundation diversity}, doi={10.4108/eai.16-9-2025.2361060} }- Supsiloani Supsiloani
Ratih Baiduri
Bakhrul Khair Amal
Hidayat Hidayat
Puspitawati Puspitawati
Sry Lestari Samosir
Year: 2026
Challenges for Religious-Based Schools in Implementing Multicultural Education
ICIESC
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.16-9-2025.2361060
Abstract
This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by the North Sumatra Islamic Center Foundation in implementing multicultural education in its school environment. As an Islamic-based educational institution, the Foundation holds a strategic role in fostering awareness of the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diversity within a multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the main challenges include resistance from some members of the school community, limited teacher understanding of multicultural education concepts, lack of specialized training, and perceptions of religious exclusivity that hinder the acceptance of cultural and belief diversity. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening teacher capacity, developing curricula responsive to multicultural contexts, and promoting more progressive policy support to realize inclusive education and foster harmony in faith-based schools.
