Enhancing Religious Moderation through POAC-Based Management Strategies: A Qualitative Case Study of a Multicultural Village in Indonesia

Abstract

Religious moderation is essential for maintaining social cohesion in multicultural societies; however, limited studies have examined how management strategies institutionalize moderation at the community level. This study explores how Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling (POAC)-based management strategies enhance religious moderation in Pejambon Village, Indonesia. A qualitative case study was employed using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving village officials, religious leaders, community leaders, and residents. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis supported by NVivo 12 Plus. The findings reveal that religious moderation is sustained through participatory planning of interfaith programs, inclusive stakeholder organization, collaborative implementation of religious and socio-cultural activities, and continuous monitoring through dialogue and consensus-based conflict resolution. These integrated management strategies strengthen national commitment, tolerance, non-violence, and accommodation of local cultural traditions while fostering social trust, cultural preservation, and inclusive community development. This study extends the application of the POAC management framework to religious moderation by proposing a community-based management model that offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for promoting sustainable social harmony in multicultural communities.