Al-Jāmi‘ah: Journal of Islamic Studies ISSN: 0126-012X (p); 2338-557X (e) Al-Jami‘ah Research Centre, Yogyakarta - Indonesia hps://aljamiah.or.id hps://creavecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ © 2024 Vol. 62, no. 1 (2024), pp. 185-213, doi: 10.14421/ajis.2024.621.185-213 REEVALUATING APPROACHES TO RELIGIOUS MODERATION AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL The Role of Muslim Youth in Advancing Interfaith Dialogue Wasisto Raharjo Jati; * Syamsurijal; * Halimatusa’diah; * Gutomo Bayu Aji; * and Ihsan Yilmaz ** * National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia ** Deakin University, Australia email: wasisto.raharjo.jati@brin.go.id Abstract This paper examines the potential role of Muslim youth as alternative partners in fostering religious moderation at the grassroots level. It identifies two central issues in current religious moderation policies: (1) an overemphasis on programs aimed at security and deradicalization, which overshadow initiatives that encourage harmonious inter- and intra-religious relationships, and (2) a predominantly top-down approach that limits grassroots participation, particularly among young people. These challenges expose gaps in policy strategies and highlight unequal public engagement in religious moderation efforts led by the government. Addressing these concerns, the study proposes alternative policy strategies that actively involve Muslim youth, who bring their own understanding of religious moderation cultivated through participation in various Islamic organizations and youth forums. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, incorporating data from in-depth interviews with students, academics, and activists; direct observations of interfaith dialogue groups and communities; and document analysis. Fieldwork was conducted in W.R. Ja, Syamsurijal, Halimatusa’diah, G.B. Aji, and I. Yilmaz