Implementing a Love-Based Curriculum to Prevent Adolescent Radicalization in Islamic Religious Education

Implementing a Love-Based Curriculum to Prevent Adolescent Radicalization in Islamic Religious Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70211/wesw.v3i3.565

Keywords:

Adolescent Radicalization, Islamic Religious Education, Love-Based Curriculum, Religious Moderation, School Climate

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of the Love-Based Curriculum (Kurikulum Berbasis Cinta/KBC) as a preventive educational framework for adolescent radicalization within Islamic Religious Education. A qualitative descriptive field design was applied in selected Madrasah Aliyah in Banten Province. Participants comprised school principals, vice principals for curriculum affairs, Islamic Religious Education teachers, and students selected purposively on the basis of their involvement in curriculum planning, classroom implementation, and character-building activities. Data were obtained through interviews, classroom observations, document review, and contextual analysis of relevant policy and scholarly literature. The material was analyzed descriptively through data reduction, data display, content interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The analysis identified four interrelated implementation domains: a humanistic-religious pedagogical orientation, integration of love-based values across Islamic Religious Education subjects, consistent habituation through school routines, and the strengthening of religious moderation within a safe and respectful school climate. These domains may support empathy, constructive belonging, dialogical learning, respect for difference, and resistance to hate-based narratives. The findings do not establish a causal reduction in radical attitudes; rather, they position KBC as a contextually relevant whole-school framework whose preventive potential depends on teacher modeling, institutional consistency, family engagement, and critical religious and digital literacy. Further multi-site and outcome-oriented research is needed to assess its longer-term effects.

Author Biographies

Dina Indriana, Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten

Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Rijal Firdaus, Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten

Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Siti Ngaisah, Universitas Islam Negegeri Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten

Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Imroatun, Universitas Islam Negegeri Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten

Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Zainab Binti Muhamad Ahmad, University Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Faculty of Human Development

References

[1] C. McCauley and S. Moskalenko, “Mechanisms of political radicalization: Pathways toward terrorism,” Terrorism and Political Violence, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 415–433, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546550802073367

[2] J. Horgan, “From profiles to pathways and roots to routes: Perspectives from psychology on radicalization into terrorism,” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 618, no. 1, pp. 80–94, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716208317539

[3] B. Doosje, F. M. Moghaddam, and A. W. Kruglanski, “Terrorism, radicalization and de-radicalization,” Current Opinion in Psychology, vol. 11, pp. 79–84, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.06.008

[4] A. W. Kruglanski et al., “The psychology of radicalization and deradicalization: How significance quest impacts violent extremism,” Political Psychology, vol. 35, no. S1, pp. 69–93, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12163

[5] D. Webber et al., “The road to extremism: Field and experimental evidence that significance loss-induced need for closure fosters radicalization,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 114, no. 2, pp. 270–285, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000111

[6] J. Emmelkamp, J. J. Asscher, I. B. Wissink, and G. J. J. M. Stams, “Risk factors for (violent) radicalization in juveniles: A multilevel meta-analysis,” Aggression and Violent Behavior, vol. 55, Art. no. 101489, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101489

[7] I. Ohls et al., “A systematic review of the risk and protective factors for processes associated with Islamist radicalization and extremism,” Terrorism and Political Violence, vol. 36, no. 8, pp. 1027–1047, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2023.2243349

[8] J. Kasinathan and A. Parsons, “Radicalisation in adolescents: Mental health considerations for violent extremism,” Australasian Psychiatry, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 57–63, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/10398562241292209

[9] M. Conway, “Determining the role of the internet in violent extremism and terrorism: Six suggestions for progressing research,” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 77–98, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2016.1157408

[10] R. Scrivens, “Examining online behaviors of violent and non-violent right-wing extremists during peak posting days,” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, pp. 1–27, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2024.2347860

[11] W. Stephens, S. Sieckelinck, and H. Boutellier, “Preventing violent extremism: A review of the literature,” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, vol. 44, no. 4, pp. 346–361, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2018.1543144

[12] S. Amit and A.-A. Kafy, “A systematic literature review on preventing violent extremism,” Journal of Adolescence, vol. 94, no. 8, pp. 1068–1080, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12095

[13] D. Gereluk, “A whole-school approach to address youth radicalization,” Educational Theory, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 434–451, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.12581

[14] J. V. Beršnak and I. Prezelj, “Recognizing youth radicalization in schools: Slovenian ‘frontline’ school workers in search of a compass,” International Sociology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 49–70, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268580920953333

[15] G. LaFree and J. D. Freilich, “Government policies for counteracting violent extremism,” Annual Review of Criminology, vol. 2, pp. 383–404, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-011518-024542

[16] J. Khalil and L. L. Dawson, “Understanding involvement in terrorism and violent extremism: Theoretical integration through the ABC model,” Terrorism and Political Violence, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 757–772, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2023.2190413

[17] A. R. Feddes, L. Mann, and B. Doosje, “Increasing self-esteem and empathy to prevent violent radicalization: A longitudinal quantitative evaluation of a resilience training focused on adolescents with a dual identity,” Journal of Applied Social Psychology, vol. 45, no. 7, pp. 400–411, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12307

[18] H. M. Duindam, A. W. G. van Loon, and F. Lösel, “Protective factors against extremism and violent radicalization in youth: A multilevel meta-analysis,” Aggression and Violent Behavior, vol. 85, Art. no. 102101, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2025.102101

[19] R. Mulyana, “Religious moderation in Islamic religious education textbook and implementation in Indonesia,” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, vol. 79, no. 1, Art. no. a8592, 2023. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v79i1.8592

[20] N. Naim, A. R. A. Aziz, and Teguh, “Integration of Madrasah diniyah learning systems for strengthening religious moderation in Indonesian universities,” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 108–119, 2022. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v11i1.22210

[21] N. Hasan, “Education, young Islamists and integrated Islamic schools in Indonesia,” Studia Islamika, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 77–111, 2012. https://doi.org/10.15408/sdi.v19i1.370

[22] R. Ardi et al., “Religious schema and tolerance towards alienated groups in Indonesia,” Heliyon, vol. 7, no. 7, Art. no. e07603, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07603

[23] Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, “Kementerian Agama Luncurkan Kurikulum Berbasis Cinta,” Jul. 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://kemenag.go.id/nasional/kementerian-agama-luncurkan-kurikulum-berbasis-cinta-qThSn

[24] Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Panduan Kurikulum Berbasis Cinta. Jakarta, Indonesia: Ministry of Religious Affairs, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://cdn.kemenag.go.id/storage/archives/panduan-kurikulum-berbasis-cinta.pdf

[25] S. Elo and H. Kyngäs, “The qualitative content analysis process,” Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 107–115, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x

[26] L. S. Nowell, J. M. Norris, D. E. White, and N. J. Moules, “Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria,” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 16, no. 1, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847

[27] K.-A. Allen, D. Vella-Brodrick, and L. Waters, “Fostering school belonging in secondary schools using a socio-ecological framework,” The Educational and Developmental Psychologist, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 97–121, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1017/edp.2016.5

[28] K.-A. Allen, M. L. Kern, D. Vella-Brodrick, J. Hattie, and L. Waters, “What schools need to know about fostering school belonging: A meta-analysis,” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 1–34, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-016-9389-8

[29] H. Korpershoek, E. T. Canrinus, M. Fokkens-Bruinsma, and H. de Boer, “The relationships between school belonging and students’ motivational, social-emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes in secondary education: A meta-analytic review,” Research Papers in Education, vol. 35, no. 6, pp. 641–680, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1615116

[30] J. A. Durlak, R. P. Weissberg, A. B. Dymnicki, R. D. Taylor, and K. B. Schellinger, “The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions,” Child Development, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 405–432, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x

[31] R. D. Taylor, E. Oberle, J. A. Durlak, and R. P. Weissberg, “Promoting positive youth development through school-based social and emotional learning interventions: A meta-analysis of follow-up effects,” Child Development, vol. 88, no. 4, pp. 1156–1171, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12864

[32] C. Cipriano et al., “The state of evidence for social and emotional learning: A contemporary meta-analysis of universal school-based SEL interventions,” Child Development, vol. 94, no. 5, pp. 1181–1204, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13968

[33] S. Hassani and S. Schwab, “Social-emotional learning interventions for students with special educational needs: A systematic literature review,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 6, Art. no. 808566, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.808566

[34] B. Gimbert et al., “Social emotional learning in schools: The importance of educator competence,” Journal of Research on Leadership Education, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 3–39, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/19427751211014920

[35] R. J. Jagers, D. Rivas-Drake, and B. V. Williams, “Transformative social and emotional learning (SEL): Toward SEL in service of educational equity and excellence,” Educational Psychologist, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 162–184, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1623032

[36] K. A. Schonert-Reichl, “Advancements in the landscape of social and emotional learning and emerging topics on the horizon,” Educational Psychologist, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 222–232, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1633925

[37] C. MacCann et al., “Emotional intelligence predicts academic performance: A meta-analysis,” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 146, no. 2, pp. 150–186, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000219

[38] T. H. J. van Noorden, G. J. T. Haselager, A. H. N. Cillessen, and W. M. Bukowski, “Empathy and involvement in bullying in children and adolescents: A systematic review,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 637–657, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-014-0135-6

[39] T. F. Pettigrew and L. R. Tropp, “A meta-analytic test of intergroup contact theory,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 90, no. 5, pp. 751–783, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.90.5.751

[40] E. L. Paluck, R. Porat, C. S. Clark, and D. P. Green, “Prejudice reduction: Progress and challenges,” Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 72, pp. 533–560, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-071620-030619

[41] M. Miklikowska, “Empathy trumps prejudice: The longitudinal relation between empathy and anti-immigrant attitudes in adolescence,” Developmental Psychology, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 703–717, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000474

[42] C. A. M. Estrada et al., “Religious education can contribute to adolescent mental health in school settings,” International Journal of Mental Health Systems, vol. 13, Art. no. 28, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-019-0286-7

[43] A. M. Guess et al., “A digital media literacy intervention increases discernment between mainstream and false news in the United States and India,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 117, no. 27, pp. 15536–15545, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1920498117

[44] S. McGrew et al., “Can students evaluate online sources? Learning from assessments of civic online reasoning,” Theory & Research in Social Education, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 165–193, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1080/00933104.2017.1416320

[45] J. Roozenbeek and S. van der Linden, “Fake news game confers psychological resistance against online misinformation,” Palgrave Communications, vol. 5, Art. no. 65, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0279-9

[46] S. M. Jones-Jang, T. Mortensen, and J. Liu, “Does media literacy help identification of fake news? Information literacy helps, but other literacies don’t,” American Behavioral Scientist, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 371–388, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764219869406

[47] C. Rousseau et al., “Clinical services addressing violent extremism: The Quebec model,” International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 222–232, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2022.2147254

[48] M. Moyano et al., “Preventing violent extremism in youth through sports: An intervention from the 3N model,” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, vol. 63, Art. no. 102283, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102283

[49] D. P. Eisenman et al., “Bystander reporting to prevent violent extremism and targeted violence: Learning from practitioners,” Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 511–529, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/19434472.2022.2130960

Downloads

Published

2026-08-04

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Loading...