International Journal of Current Science Research and Review ISSN: 2581-8341 Volume 07 Issue 06 June 2024 DOI: 10.47191/ijcsrr/V7-i7-32, Impact Factor: 7.943 IJCSRR @ 2024 www.ijcsrr.org 4932 * Corresponding Author: Thita M. Mazya Volume 07 Issue 07 July 2024 Available at: www.ijcsrr.org Page No. 4932-4945 Religious and Cultural Diversity in Indonesia: Dynamics of Acceptance and Conflict in a Multidimensional Perspective Thita M. Mazya 1 , Kholis Ridho 2 , Ali Irfani 3 1 Universitas Islam Syekh Yusuf Tangerang, Banten. 2,3 Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta. ABSTRACT: This study delves into the intricate relationship between religion and cultural diversity and the implementation of religious moderation policies to mitigate conflict potential in Indonesia. Based on a dataset of 1,000 samples distributed across 34 provinces, the findings reveal that newly implemented religious moderation policies can reduce conflict potential by 4.2%. Interestingly, the study also unveils that solidarity and appreciation for local culture have a limited impact on curbing conflict potential while simultaneously giving rise to new forms of collective narcissism. These findings underscore that high acceptance of religious and cultural diversity does not necessarily translate into lower conflict potential. Addressing the underlying issues of national solidarity emerges as a critical challenge that must be confronted to safeguard social harmony in Indonesia. KEYWORDS: Cultural Diversity, Conflict Potential, Religious Acceptance, Religious Moderation, Solidarity. INTRODUCTION The diversity of a community's resources depends on the composition of its population. (Boone et al. 2012). Indonesia is considered intriguing because it possesses 7,508 islands, home to over 300 distinct ethnic groups. In addition, that country also consists of 1,340 ethnic groups who speak more than 1,001 different languages. The current diversity encompasses six officially recognized religions by the state, namely Islam as the predominant religion, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. According to UNESCO (2001), the plurality can bring positive potential in improving the economic sector and help support the development of individuals' intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual well-being. (Lee 2022). Religious diversity is widely acknowledged as a significant economic and social activity catalyst. Nevertheless, the wide range of differences cannot be disentangled from the social challenges and possible discord. Increased variety levels correlate with a higher likelihood of conflict and the emergence of societal problems. (Bai et al. 2020). Historical records show Indonesia's remarkable endeavor to unify many ethnic groups, cultures, languages, and faiths, resulting in a robust national unity under the guiding principle of 'Unity in Diversity.' The genesis of that episode may be traced back to Dutch colonial rule, where an attempt was made to fragment Indonesian society through the implementation of the 'divide et impera' plan. Furthermore, the PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) gangs introduced the influence of communism during the period from 1920 to 1965. Moreover, the nation had to confront multiple uprisings from different regions, seeking independence from the Republic of Indonesia and striving to build a sovereign entity based on their specific ethnic and religious identities. Consequently, the country has endured political, social, and economic instability for several decades. Religious solidarity is essential in maintaining religious harmony and peace between people (Sintang et al., 2022), (Luqman & Ilhamdi, 2023). The word 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,' displayed on the ribbon beneath the Garuda bird, the national emblem of Indonesia, serves as a symbol of togetherness and a means of bringing together diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. That phrase cultivates and imbues nationalism in every individual, regardless of experience. Over time, the promotion of diversity through nationalism can paradoxically lead to a homogenization that diminishes religious and cultural differences. Multiple studies have determined the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika needs to establish a clear definition of unity, resulting in its inability to handle variety effectively. The lack of management has contributed to the occurrence of social conflicts, secession movements, and acts of terror (Abdullah, 2003), (Atasoge, 2018), (Hamoes, 2020). It is reflected in several situations: (1) the state actively promotes its varied population to embrace one of the six religions officially acknowledged by the state. (2) The state mandates the utilization of the Indonesian language by all ethnic groups, resulting in the erosion of their ethnic distinctiveness. (3) The state grants benefits to prevailing religious or ethnic groups, thus inciting prejudices and bigotry. That situation has caused several tribes, ethnicities, and