The Values of Local Traditions in Central Sulawesi in Strengthening Religious Moderation: A Comparative Study of Students at UIN Datokarama Palu and the Indonesia Jaya Palu College of Health Sciences

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the values of local traditions in Central Sulawesi in relation to the promotion of religious moderation, and to identify differences in the levels of religious moderation between students at UIN Datokarama Palu and students at the Indonesian Jaya College of Health Sciences in Palu. The study employs a quantitative approach with a comparative design. The research variables consist of local traditional values as the independent variable and religious moderation as the dependent variable. Local traditional values include mutual cooperation, togetherness, deliberation, solidarity, mutual respect, tolerance, social concern, and appreciation of local culture. Meanwhile, religious moderation was measured using indicators of national commitment, tolerance, opposition to violence, and acceptance of local traditions. The research data were analysed using descriptive statistics, validity and reliability tests, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and the independent samples t-test.

The research findings indicate that students’ scores for local traditions and religious moderation fall within the high category. Based on the research simulation data, the average score for local traditions was 4.18, whilst that for religious moderation was 4.25. The results of the Pearson correlation test indicate a positive and significant relationship between local traditional values and religious moderation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.672 and a p-value of 0.000. The results of the Independent Samples t-test indicate a significant difference in the level of religious moderation between students at UIN Datokarama Palu and STIK Indonesia Jaya Palu, with a p-value of 0.014. These findings indicate that the traditional values of Central Sulawesi, particularly mutual cooperation, togetherness, deliberation, solidarity, tolerance and mutual respect, hold significant potential for strengthening students’ moderate attitudes and fostering a harmonious social life amidst diversity.