Peran Tokoh Agama dalam Menjaga Harmoni Sosial di Tengah Keragaman Sumatera

Abstract

The complex social dynamics in Sumatra are influenced by religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Diversity is an important social asset, but it can also cause conflict and tension. The purpose of this article is to examine how religious leaders help maintain social balance amid the diversity of Sumatran society. A qualitative approach was used in this study. A literature review method was used to examine books, scientific journal articles, and official documents in Indonesian related to the sociology of religion and religious harmony. The concepts of social roles, social harmony, and religious moderation were critically examined from an Islamic and interfaith perspective. The study shows that religious leaders play a strategic role in teaching tolerance, mediating social conflicts, providing moral examples, and encouraging interfaith discussions. Islamic religious leaders play an important role in instilling the values of religious moderation, such as tolerance (tasamuh), justice ('adl), and balance (tawazun), in social life. However, the politicization of religion, the strengthening of exclusive religious narratives, and the influence of digital media hinder this role. This article emphasizes that strengthening the role of religious leaders is an important part of maintaining social balance and strengthening interfaith harmony in Sumatra.