Love: The Core Spirit of the Education Curriculum in Indonesia
The love-based curriculum integrates the concept of love as a fundamental principle in Indonesian education, fostering an inclusive perspective that recognizes differences as integral to the nation's diversity and heritage, which must be kept and cultivated. The love-based curriculum is a unique concept in education introduced by Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
This idea underscores the significance of virtuous values such as love, tolerance, and peace in the educational process. The Love Curriculum seeks to cultivate a generation of individuals with noble character, who can value diversity through love and contribute constructively to plural society.
During the tenure of Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar M.A. as the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, such innovative curriculum concept will be implemented in the education sector overseen by directly by him. The curriculum itself advocates the integration of love as a fundamental principle in national and civic life, particularly within the educational sphere.
Nasaruddin claims that all faiths promote teaching of love and compassion to their followers, and theres is no single faith that encourages violence. This Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque argues that increased awareness and adherence to Islamic teachings among its followers would lead to a more peaceful and tranquil society, perhaps rendering the necessity for law enforcement obsolete.
The next task is to thoroughly integrate religious teachings into society; this profound concept emerges from his experiences as a scholar, religious leader, Grand Imam of Istiqlal, and academic. Love is an intense emotion characterized by deep connection and intimate attraction, and it should not have been annihilated. He believes that most of this world's problem comes from the lack of kindness in human soul.
Within the framework of love's philosophy, which is characterized by inherent goodness; compassion; and affection, education constitutes a deliberate and systematic endeavor to cultivate a conducive learning atmosphere. It enables students to actively enhance their potential in religious spirituality, self-discipline, character, intellect, and good deeds.
Nasaruddin Umar, a countryside boy from Ujung Village, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, is currently serving as Minister of Religious Affairs under the order of the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet. He compassioantely introduces his love-based curriculum concept to bless Indonesian students with kindness.
The most remarkable and memorable event in the records of human civilization is the heartwarming moment between Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque and Vatican Pope. When thoroughly comprehended and analyzed, these two actions by the top religious leaders can be summarized into a word "LOVE". A kiss on the forehead signifies affection, whereas a kiss on the hand represents caring. Affection is fundamentally rooted on love and caring and it is essential because genuine love requires the demonstration of care for the beloved one.
The foundation of the Istiqlal Declaration sprang from his concern over two worldwide occurrences that undermine and obliterate the essence of love and compassion. This significant concept was announced in Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the fifth biggest mosque in the world, and envisioned by this charismatic South Sulawesian Scholar.
Characterized by many manifestations of violence and conflict that compromise human dignity and honor, transforming religion into a political tool driven by human aggression and ambition.
Nasaruddin Umar has designated the love-based curriculum as the "vessel" for actualizing the principles of love, a judicious decision, since the curriculum embodies the core essence of the educational system. This curriculum emphasizes the significance of religious principles in the development of students' character.
Nonetheless, this does not entail the imposition of a certain religion, but rather the instruction of universal principles of virtue. Consequently, fostering students' empathy enhances their ability to comprehend and experience the feelings of others, facilitating the establishment of harmonious relationships and promoting tolerance.
The love-centered curriculum promotes students' appreciation for diversity in religion, race, language, and culture, and advocates for peaceful dispute resolution which based on love.
Before I end my writing, God willing, I certainly hope that the sincerity of Nasaruddin Umar in providing a breakthrough in educational world is clearly on the right path His great ideas in interpreting the Love-Based Curriculum teaches us to interpret the importance of genuine love in this context.
My only hope is that this Love-Based Curriculum has great potential to change the sweet face of education in Indonesia. Therefore, cooperation is needed from all parties of the nation's children to realize the Love-Based Curriculum.
My conclusion in this Love Curriculum is an educational concept that is so relevant to the challenges of today's era. By embedding the values of love and affection and upholding the value of tolerance from an early age, it is hoped that the younger generation can grow and develop into Indonesian people with noble character and love. They will be able to build a brighter future for the nation and country and can be admired by other major countries in the world.
This article is written by:
Prof. Dr. H. Andi Salman Maggalatung, B.L.L., M.L.L
Professor of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Sepcial Staff of the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
Released on news.detik.com
On February 3, 2025
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