“Jagong Pemuda” or Youth Dialogue: Building Independence and Moderate Attitudes in a Multicultural Society

Abstract

The study of multicultural societies can help create a more tolerant society, moderate in religion, and better prepared to face complex social, political, and economic changes. "Jagong Pemuda," as a method aimed at exploring and identifying the potentials within the village that can be empowered to enhance independence, welfare, competitiveness, and moderate attitudes in a multicultural society. This research adopts the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which is a strategic framework aimed at harnessing the strengths and resources already present within a community. The ABCD approach consists of five key steps: Discovery, Dream, Design, Define, and Destiny. The object of discussion is all the activities of discussions, FGD, consolidation, and synergistic collaboration in utilizing the strengths and resources by all community elements through "Jagong Pemuda" in Bulu Lor Village, Jambon District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The findings of this study indicate that Bulu Lor Village has great potential in its multicultural diversity, with a Muslim majority and Buddhist and Christian minorities. "Jagong Pemuda" plays a role as a communication space that connects youth, government, and society to achieve significant empowerment, aiming to improve independence and welfare. By utilizing cultural, economic, tourism, and educational potentials, Bulu Lor Village has the opportunity to  develop into an independent, prosperous, and harmonious village with sustainable moderate life.