A portrait of multicultural education in an Indonesian private school : perception, approach, and implementation

Abstract

Indonesia is a multicultural country with a wide range of religions, races, ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Because of a lack of understanding in Indonesia of the value of plurality, these differences frequently serve as the reason for inter-community clashes. This research focuses on these issues in the context of multicultural education in schools. Schools, in addition to family education, play an important role in nurturing students to understand, tolerate, and respect diversity. In this regard, this study explores how school community perceives, approaches, and implements multicultural education as an attempt to create multicultural citizens. This study employed qualitative approach using case study design in Indonesian private school in West Java. It involved seven participants from different backgrounds to gain their perspective regarding multicultural education. Documentary research and observation were also conducted to collect the data. The validity and reliability were assured through triangulation and member checking as an attempt to keep data trustworthy. In doing the analysis, the Quirkos software was used as an effective analytical tool. In addition, some ethical issues and research positionality were also stated. The following conclusions have been reached based on the evidence: First, principal, teachers, students, perceive that education must address student differences. They believe that God create diversity intentionally. They also believe uniqueness of human being and the diversity that exists in Indonesia. Second, the school community translated their perception into school vision, mission, and the projected rules. School also provides teacher development, curriculum design, and educational services as the strategies to promote multicultural education. Third, the implementation of multicultural education was manifested through the school culture, integrated curriculum, teachers' critical pedagogy and the annual cultural exhibition.