The Ideological Spectrum of Madrasah Aliyah Teachers in Surakarta

Abstract

Teachers play a key role in shaping students' religious identity and character. Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in Madrasah Aliyah (MA) is considered to play a major role in developing students' character, morality, and ethics. Experimental studies by TIFA show that religious education that encourages multiculturalism contributes to the formation of positive relationships between teachers, which, in turn, affects relationships between students. However, amid tensions between cultures and religions, the question is whether PAI is appropriate and can make a significant contribution to inclusive character development. Previous research from the Center for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies (CRCS) stated that the 2013 PAI Curriculum tended to focus too much on doctrine, reflect less on the spirit of respecting diversity, and less encourage harmonious interaction between religious communities. Madrasah Aliyah, as an Islamic educational institution, teaches Islamic material and social sciences as well as exact sciences. This study focuses on the spectrum of teacher ideology through supplementary literature used to complement PAI textbooks, as well as teachers' views on Islamic and national issues. Qualitative research methods are used with content analysis techniques, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Research findings include "unfair" attitudes, moderate-conservative approaches, moderate understandings of Jihad, and conservative but progressive beliefs in muamalah. In conclusion, Madrasah Aliyah teachers in Surakarta tend to have a moderate-conservative style with a contextual, inclusive, and tolerant nature. However, there is an element of conservatism in some problems with textual, exclusive, and intolerant understanding in public affairs.