Managing Diversity and Handling (In)Tolerance

A Case Study of Managing Places of Worship and Religious Activities in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Amidst the narrative of Yogyakarta as a tolerant space, the dynamics of houses of worship disputes reveal fundamental issues in the governance of diversity. This article examines the mechanisms of state and societal handling of disputes over houses of worship in Yogyakarta, while identifying the social conditions that enable coexistence to persist in the Kotabaru district. Employing a qualitative approach with a multiple case study design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with house of worship administrators and community figures, policy document analysis, and media reviews. The findings reveal three key points: (1) the handling of disputes over houses of worship tends to be resolved through administrative licensing compromises that accommodate majority pressure; (2) there is an implementation gap between provincial-level religious freedom policies and technical execution at the district level; and (3) coexistence in Kotabaru is sustained by structured social encounters among house of worship administrators and the role of local leadership, although subliminal resistance remains. This study concludes that the effectiveness of religious conflict resolution is measured not only by the absence of violent escalation, but also by the guarantee of constitutional minority rights.