Membangun Toleransi Umat Beragama: Studi Sedekah Jum’at Pondok Pesantren Yaa Bunayya

Abstract

In the multicultural context of Jayapura City, interactions between Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and communities of diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds play an important role in fostering tolerance, strengthening social relations, and promoting social cohesion. This study examines how the practice of Friday almsgiving at Yaa Bunayya Islamic Boarding School contributes to interreligious tolerance and social cohesion. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using an interactive process of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, informed by theoretical perspectives on giving, reciprocity, coordination, planning, conflict, and social capital. The findings show that Friday almsgiving extends beyond religious devotion to serve as a means of fostering interreligious tolerance and strengthening social relations. The distribution of alms to non-Muslim community members demonstrates inclusive giving and encourages positive reciprocity, fostering mutual respect, trust, and solidarity across religious boundaries. Systematic planning and effective coordination facilitate the implementation of the program and its outreach to diverse community members. The findings further suggest that these practices contribute to reducing social tensions and strengthening interreligious harmony. This study demonstrates that Friday almsgiving represents a form of active tolerance in which religious charitable practices transcend religious boundaries and generate social capital that supports trust, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society.