Implementing Multiculturalism in Indonesian Higher Education: An Epistemological Analysis

Abstract

The study of the implementation of multiculturalism in higher education implies an investigation of the ideologies adopted and the strategies applied in promoting equality. In analyzing ideologies and strategies for realizing multiculturalism in higher education institutions in Indonesia, this study explores them through an epistemological analysis focusing on sources and methods of knowledge. This qualitative study that collected data through interviews, document analysis, and observations found that the sources of knowledge used at non-religious universities were reason, experience, and intuition, while religious universities used apocalyptic texts, reason, experience, and intuition. In terms of methods of knowledge, the two types of universities equally applied the scientific method but with different characteristics. Nonreligious universities that offered a variety of study programs used a wider variety of disciplines. Religious institutions that generally developed religious disciplines such as Islam with a limited number of general study programs tended to apply scientific methods related to religious discourse in particular. The use of apocalyptic texts and the application of theological methods were found only in religious institutions.