The dynamics of the development of Nahdlatul education (multicultural education perspective)

Abstract

This research examines the implementation of multicultural education within the Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) educational institutions in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia. Founded in 1953 by Tuan Guru Kyai Haji Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid, NW has grown into one of the nation’s largest religious organizations, establishing a range of institutions from elementary schools to universities that serve as centers for both religious instruction and the inculcation of moral and social values. In the culturally diverse context of NTB—characterized by ethnic groups such as Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo—NW faces significant challenges in harmonizing varied cultural, ethnic, and religious needs. Adopting a qualitative-descriptive approach, this study employs interviews, observations, and document analysis to capture the perspectives of teachers, students, and community stakeholders regarding the application of multicultural education. The findings reveal that NW integrates Islamic values with multicultural principles by utilizing diverse approaches including contribution, additive, transformation, and social action strategies. These methods not only enhance the curriculum by incorporating general subjects alongside religious studies but also promote critical thinking, tolerance, and empathy among learners. Despite challenges such as stereotypes, prejudice, and the pressures of globalization and socio-political dynamics, NW’s efforts in multicultural education contribute significantly to fostering an inclusive learning environment. The study provides practical recommendations for further development of multicultural education in Islamic institutions, ultimately aiming to nurture graduates who are well-equipped to thrive in and contribute to an increasingly pluralistic society.