How Would Teaching a World Religion Course in Public Secondary Schools Promote Human Dignity in Malaysia and Indonesia?

Considering that Malaysia and Indonesia are countries with diverse religions and beliefs, a deep understanding of human dignity is needed. Religious education plays a significant role in fostering respect and deeper understanding across faiths, but currently educational systems in both countries often focus predominantly on faith-specific or moral courses, limiting exposure to other religions. This can create divisions rather than foster human dignity and interfaith understanding. This study aims to investigate whether a different approach to religious education, through the integration of world religions courses into public secondary schools, can foster and promote human dignity among young people and ultimately foster human dignity in the country. Using a quantitative and qualitative approach, this research collects data from surveys and interviews with former public secondary school students from both countries to compare their educational experiences. Although further research is needed to reach definitive conclusions, the findings from this study will provide insights into the potential challenges and advantages of broadening religious education to encompass global religious traditions, offering recommendations for educational institutions and policymakers to foster human dignity, tolerance, and interfaith understanding in the country