Construction of Harmonious Communication Message for Multireligious Communities in Maintaining Religious Harmony

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and explore the construction of the harmonious communication message of the multireligious community in Rama Agung and Sindang Jati villages in caring for religious harmony. This type of research is qualitative interpretative type field research refers to procedures that produce words and conduct in-depth behavioral observations, using a phenomenological approach.  Data was collected through observation, interviews and documentation, informants were selected purposively using the snowball sampling technique, there were 20 research informants, data was analyzed interactively. The results of the study found that there are two categories of communication message constructions for the harmony of multireligious communities , namely: first, non-fanaticism, messages that prioritize the values of tolerance, mutual understanding, and balance in interacting with others without being trapped in blind extremism/fanaticism, non-violence, and opening themselves to accept differences and appreciate diversity. The message of harmony is built through a shared narrative that encapsulates the collective experience of society through the use of symbols, terms, or narratives and universal values that can be accepted by all religious groups. Second, the meeting point of religious understanding, which lies in the relationship between human beings, emphasizes that in the diversity of beliefs, social, ethical, and humanitarian aspects are easier to be a unifying bridge than differences in theological doctrines. Tolerance, mutual respect for the application of national values is the meeting point of religious understanding, because differences are not for division but differences are the strength to help each other and move forward together.