In cultivating tolerance in society, many approaches are needed so that patience can be internalized properly. Several major subjects such as religion, science, and philosophy become potential capital in internalizing a tolerant attitude. Dr. Budhy Munawar Rachman conveyed this idea, Lecturer of the Driyarkara College of Philosophy (STF) at the Studium Generale KU-4078 ITB on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

In the beginning, Budhy explained the size of Indonesia, which is also colored by ethnic and cultural diversity. This diversity certainly colors the lives of Indonesian people. One of the potential colors created from diversity is the potential to create a variety of conflicts. Indonesia also experienced the same thing in the form of rampant conflicts in various regions. However, what is interesting is that the community is always loyal and persists with its great ideal, namely unity.

Budhy also stated that globally tolerance is a very modern new idea. The majority of people understand tolerance with passive acceptance of someone. This is not the main essence of tolerance to be realized. Tolerance has several levels: 1) Passive acceptance, 2) Gentle indifference to differences, 3) Recognition of differences with a more open attitude, 4) Recognition of one’s fundamental rights, 5) Social inclusion. This social inclusion is the essence of tolerance that the Indonesian people must achieve.

“Social inclusion itself means an attitude to accept, support, care for, and celebrate the differences that exist in society. According to him, this social inclusion needs to be educated and even given space in the legal realm in order to achieve unity,” said Budhy.

Budhy reminded that it is not easy to cultivate tolerance in society due to the many challenges. One of the current challenges is the normalization of the threat of intolerance. Intolerance can cause cultural segregation, decreased tolerance, and a reluctance to move when there are differences in society.

To obtain the value of tolerance at the level of social inclusion requires various subjects who are close to the community, ranging from science, philosophy, and religion.

At the end of his presentation, Budhy hopes that science, philosophy, and religion can be appropriately implemented to revive an attitude of tolerance in society. “With it we are able to transform from exclusive to inclusive, from superiority to better understanding of others, generate tolerance, to create an inclusive society,” he said.

Reporter: Daffa Raditya Farandi (Entrepreneurship, 2023)
Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo (Metallurgical Engineering 2020)