The Sekaten Culture in the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Regions from the Perspective of Islamic Religious Education

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the Sekaten culture in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Surakarta from the perspective of Islamic Religious Education and to examine its relevance as a source of multicultural Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning. The research uses a qualitative approach with a type of library research combined with a phenomenological approach. Data were obtained from various literatures in the form of books, scientific articles, previous research results, and documents related to the Sekaten culture, Islamic Religious Education, and multicultural education. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing with source triangulation to maintain data validity. The research results show that the Sekaten culture is a form of acculturation of Islam and Javanese culture that contains religious values, tolerance (tasamuh), brotherhood (ukhuwah), mutual cooperation (ta'awun), deliberation (syura), and respect for cultural diversity. These values align with the goals of Islamic Religious Education in shaping students who are faithful, possess noble character, are moderate, and can live harmoniously in a multicultural society. In addition, the Sekaten tradition has the potential to serve as a source of contextual learning because it can connect Islamic teaching concepts with the socio-cultural practices of the community. This research also found that studies on Sekaten from the perspective of Islamic Religious Education are still relatively limited, thus this research provides a conceptual contribution to the development of local wisdom-based Islamic Religious Education learning. Thus, the Sekaten culture can be used as an alternative learning resource that supports the strengthening of character education, religious moderation, and the development of a more contextual, inclusive, and adaptive Islamic Religious Education curriculum in response to the cultural diversity in Indonesia.