Reflections on Multicultural Education for Non-Muslim Students at Muhammadiyah University, Kupang

Abstract

The implementation of multicultural education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kupang (UMK) has been going on since 2017. However, there are still lecturers who do not embed the values of multiculturalism in the learning process because they are constrained by the lack of understanding on how to apply the values of multiculturalism. The purpose of this study is to reflect back on the concept of multicultural education at UMK which is considered to be hegemonic and there is an element of Islamization in non-Muslim students. This study used qualitative method. The selection of research subjects using purposive sampling technique, including non-Muslim students and lecturers. Data collection was carried out by observation, interviews, and field survey. The results showed that the first step in implementing multicultural education was carried out using four approaches, including the contribution approach, additives, transformation, and social action. These four approaches have worked optimally, but are more inclined towards cultural learning. Therefore, a reflection is carried out by fostering awareness of pluralism in students through the integration of teaching materials, construction of knowledge, learning methods, and reduction of prejudice, in order to gain insight into multiculturalism in non-Muslim students.