SOCIAL RELATIONS AS A MECHANISM OF CONFLICTTRANSFORMATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLACES OFWORSHIP IN BANYUMAS

Abstract

 This research is motivated by the pluralistic nature of Banyumas society, which makes the construction
of houses of worship potentially triggering socio-religious conflict. This conflict does not always
manifest itself in overt violence, but often manifests latently through social rejection, licensing issues,
and the relationship between the majority and minority within the community. This study aims to
analyze the dynamics of latent conflict in the construction of houses of worship in Banyumas and
examine the role of social relations as a mechanism for conflict transformation. The research employed
descriptive qualitative methods through interviews and observations with residents, religious leaders,
community leaders, and other relevant parties. The result indicates that the construction of houses of
worship in Banyumas tends to create latent conflict through social negotiation processes related to
community acceptance and licensing. Houses of worship for minority groups face more complex
administrative and social challenges than those for the majority group. Furthermore, the Interfaith
Harmony Forum (FKUB) is considered to have not played an optimal role in preventing conflict
escalation. However, social closeness, informal communication, and interpersonal relationships among
residents have proven important factors in building community acceptance. Social relations act as a
preventive mechanism for transforming conflicts, maintaining social harmony, and preventing them
from escalating into open conflict.