Strengthening Religious Moderation Through Islamic Religious Education: The Role Of Islamic Religious Education Teachers For Generation Z

Strengthening religious moderation is a national strategic agenda in responding to the reality of religious, cultural, and social identity pluralism in Indonesia. Islamic Religious Education (IRE) plays an important role in internalizing the values of religious moderation, particularly among Generation Z, who grow up in a digital ecosystem characterized by openness and critical thinking, yet remain vulnerable to exclusive and radical religious narratives. This article aims to systematically examine scholarly literature related to strengthening religious moderation through Islamic Religious Education, focusing on the concept of religious moderation, the characteristics of Generation Z and their challenges, the strategic role of Islamic Religious Education teachers, as well as concrete forms and strategies for implementing religious moderation in educational environments. This study employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing accredited national journal articles indexed in SINTA, reputable international journals, as well as relevant books and official policy documents. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques, including data reduction, thematic categorization, synthesis, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Islamic Religious Education teachers play a strategic role as educators of moderation values, role models (qudwah hasanah), facilitators of dialogue across differences, and agents of education-based deradicalization. Effective strengthening of religious moderation requires the integration of teacher exemplarity, value habituation, innovative pedagogical approaches, the wise use of digital technology, and continuous professional capacity development. This article is expected to contribute both theoretically and practically to the development of Islamic Religious Education oriented toward the formation of a moderate, tolerant, and civilized Muslim generation.