Comparative Analysis of the Concept of 'Religious Moderation' in the Indonesian and Malaysian PAI Curriculum: A Document-Based Education Policy Study

Abstract

This study comparatively analyzes the representation of the concept of religious moderation in education policies and Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum documents in Indonesia and Malaysia. Motivated by the challenges of religious extremism and social polarization in Southeast Asia, this study emphasizes the urgency of instilling the values of moderation. The PAI, as the primary formative instrument for generations of Muslims in both countries, bears this crucial responsibility. Using a comparative qualitative approach with policy analysis and curriculum document studies, the findings show fundamental differences: Indonesia emphasizes moderation based on social cohesion and the ideology of Pancasila, while Malaysia integrates the concept of Wasatiyyah with a more theocentric approach. Differences in the strategies for integrating tolerance and anti-radicalism values in learning materials were also identified. The significance of the research lies in its contribution to the development of an inclusive PAI curriculum model as well as the strengthening of religious education policy frameworks in Muslim-majority countries, with implications in the form of recommendations for best practice exchange and regional collaboration.