Sowing Tolerance in the Hearts of Generation Alpha

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — In a classroom at HighScope Indonesia TB. Simatupang School, South Jakarta, dozens of children sit in a circle. They come from diverse religious backgrounds. Some wear veils, others do not. Yet on their faces there is a shared expression: a strong curiosity about the world beyond their surroundings.

Outside the window, the world is not going well. The Global Risks 2026 Report places geo-economic confrontation as one of the major threats. UNESCO data indicate that two out of three people worldwide are exposed to hate speech in the digital space. Ideological polarisation, territorial disputes, and technological disparities drive a sense of exclusivity that permeates to the grass roots.

But in that classroom, for now, the noisy world feels distant. There is only laughter, lively discussion, and sessions of sharing stories among friends of different beliefs.

They are part of Generation Alpha, a generation born and growing up in an era dominated by technology. A generation that, if not endowed with a strong ethical foundation, can easily be exposed to polarisation and hate speech. Therefore, instilling values of tolerance from an early age is no longer merely a choice, but an urgent need to build a ‘social immunity’ for them.

Since 2004, HighScope Indonesia School, which will change its name to Eco Socio Tech School in July 2026, has consistently run the PTR programme (Peace, Tolerance, Respect) every Ramadan. The programme embraces diversity and involves all pupils, both Muslim and adherents of Protestant Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist faiths.

‘We believe that the best education is one that simulates real life,’ said a representative of the Redea Institute, Research & Development for Advancement Institute which oversees the programme.

This year, PTR carries the theme ‘Fostering Attitudes of Respect for Other Human Beings and Living Creatures to Create a Peaceful and Sustainable Life.’ A theme chosen to inspire pupils to apply respect in their daily lives.

Its implementation is split into two series of events. In the interfaith session, pupils are brought together to explore universal values that bind all beliefs, such as manifesting devotion to God the Most Gracious through respect for the dignity of other living beings. Afterwards, they move to their own religions’ sessions for deeper spiritual strengthening.

At HighScope Indonesia TB. Simatupang, activities opened with Opening, Hopes & Dreams, and Ice Breaking. They then proceeded to a talk show with speakers: Rizkiana Alba M.Ed from the Wahid Foundation, KH. Julian Lukman Lc as Chair of the Forum for the Harmony of Religions Jakarta Selatan, and Suraji from the Gus Dur Network. Also present were Linda Anugrah, Founder of the Angel Heart Foundation from HighScope Indonesia Denpasar, and Deputy Chair of Baznas Kota Palembang, Muhammad Syukri Soha, S.Ag, S.H, M.H from HighScope Indonesia Palembang.

Meanwhile, while Muslim students carried out the Isya and Tarawih prayers in congregation, students of Protestant Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist faiths attended a session on deeper faith in a separate room with their religious leaders. The discussions focused on practising faith values in real actions, especially in nurturing a spirit of tolerance amid the complexities of digital interactions today.

PTR also offered students the opportunity to share with the surrounding community. At HighScope Indonesia Medan and Denpasar, students from grades 4 to 9 collaborated to prepare takjil and distribute them to local residents. While awaiting the time to break their fast, HighScope Indonesia Palembang students showcased various activities, such as band music performances, tolerance pantuns, and storytelling conveying messages of goodness.