MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RATIONALITY IN RUNNING RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN PANDEMIC TIMES

Indonesian society is a multicultural society that lives side by side with all the differences. In Indonesia, they are presently six official religions-namely Islam, Protestant Christian, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. It is this difference of belief that makes people live in peace and practice their respective religious teachings without any intention of disturbing the beliefs of others. The teaching of tolerance is also applied in one of the villages in Malang Regency, namely Peniwen Village. The majority of the population of this village are Protestant and Catholic Christians. Residents in this village always carry out religious activities in accordance with what has been ordered without any sense of demeaning other religions. The method used in this article is descriptive qualitative using Max Weber' s theory of rationality. The purpose of this article is to find out the rationality of the people of Peniwen Village in carrying out religious activities during the pandemic. This happened because during the pandemic almost all activities were limited. The results of this study demonstrate that the Village residents continue to perform religious activities by implementing health protocols and upholding tolerance between differing religious communities. The current health protocols regulate the number of congregants who will worship at the church, wearing masks, and maintain personal distance.


INTRODUCTION
Living with various differences has been a feature of Indonesian society since time immemorial. These differences start from customs, culture, ethnicity, language, beliefs, and religion. Because of these many differences, Indonesia is dubbed as a pluralistic country and a multicultural society 1 . Living side by side with all the differences does not automatically engender hostility or chauvinisme among the people of Indonesia. In fact, popular sentiment values these differences and advances a sense of tolerance. This is the case because all Indonesian people acknolwedge the political motto "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" ("unity in diversity) which has different meanings but remains one unit. The community is aware that only by uniting, respecting, increasing tolerance, and fostering brotherhood with others citizens will Indonesia improve and avoid internal discord 2 .
Everyone who lives in Indonesia is free to choose and adhere to beliefs of any religion or sect. As long as the individual is able to be responsible for what he believes in, does not harm or incite others, does not cause noise, and does not divide between individuals or groups in society 3 . The government guarantees the freedom to choose one's religion according to one's beliefs. This is also stated in the 1945 Constitution Article 28 E paragraphs 1 and 2. In 1945 Constitution then, people should be able to carry out all forms of worship in accordance with their respective religions. Every religion, of course, teaches all goodness and it is impossible to lead to negative things. Moreover, to hurt or provoke other religions. The proof of believing in the existence of God is by carrying out religious activities that have been ordered 5 .
In Indonesia, six religions are recognized nationally, namely, Islam, Christian, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. There are also various beliefs that are perfomed or undertaken by tribal folk in the rural areas of Indonesia, but these are not legally encoded because there are too many (and they lack theological coherence) 6 . As a country rich in multiple aspects ranging from culture, religion, wealth and natural beauty. There are several nicknames given, namely, maritime country, lungs of the world, emerald equator, country of a thousand islands, to the big muslim population. The last nickname is the nickname given by Muslims around the world to Indonesia. This happens because as many as 87 percent of the total population of Indonesia embraces Islam, based on global religious future data in 2010.
Of this number, Islam in Indonesia is often referred to as the majority religion because its adherents are very large compared to the other five religions. In summary, religious identity ranging from worship, the existence of places of worship, celebrations of religious holidays and so forth -are all manifest in Indonesia All religious communities strongly instill the values of tolerance so that differences in belief do not cause fear for adherents when undertaking their spiritual duties. Many are found in every area there is a religious identity that is felt to be unique. For example, there are house of prayer is one in a row in the elite residential area of Wiyung, Surabaya. Since March 2020, the situation became radically different following the covid-19 outbreak. This has included educational activities, work, tourism, and all religious activities.
Normal conditions and freedom to worship are now subject to strict rules, guided by stringent health protocols. The process of writing research requires a lot of references and literacy resources. This is useful to enrich the theory used in reviewing the research to be carried out.
In this study, the author utilised several previous studies or research that had been undertaken and had the same theme. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with observation and interview techniques.
The results obtained from this study are that there is a very close harmony between residents even though they have different beliefs. This occurs because of the social awareness of citizens regarding the cultural and economic aspects of the majority who so that they are not easily ignited by conflict, and rather cultivate feelings and ties of communal brotherhood 9 .
The third relevant study was entitled "Tolerance of Religious Interfaith Housing Area" by Ika Fatmawati Faridah, which aimed to determine the tolerance that was formed between religious communities in variant housing areas. Housing environments are noted for the individualistic and independent attitude of their inhabitants because such characters feel able to slove problems and are more prone to communal conflict. This article uses a descriptive qualitative research method. The results obtained suggest there is a high level of intercommuna tolerance in the Penembongan housing environment and that there has never been substantial conflict between religious communities here because they possess the view that religion and belief are personal matters and their civic duty is to these differences 10 . A fourth study entitled "From the

Elegy Pulpit, Local Wisdom, and Cooperation: Behavior of Religious Harmony in Salatiga and Manado
Communities" by Benny Ridwan examined the harmony and peace that was created and maintained in a heterogeneous society. This study uses a qualitative method. The results obtained infer that the maintenance of tolerance harmony and peace reflect the community priorities of brotherhood, mutual respect, and non-interference in the religious affairs of The difference lies in the focus of study. Researcher are trying to see and want to know the rationality of the multicultural community of Peniwen village carrying out worship activities during the pandemic. Are there differences that create conflicts? or even greater communal tolerance? Another interesting thing is the current conditions, where the COVID-19 pandemic does not end and requires people to be able to adapt in all activities including worship activities or religious activities.

RESEARCH METHODS
In this article, I employ a qualitative research model using the literature study method in data collection. Literature study is a technique to find references on theories that are relevant to the problem being investigated by researchers. This technique involves the collection of data based on books, journals, theses, and the results of previous studies that have the same theme and connection. In addition, the study of literature aims to prove or disprove relevant theories in accordance with the problems studied by researchers as material for future discussion and reference 13 . This literature study method was chosen because of the circumstances that made it impossible to conduct research directly due to the covid-19 pandemic. To complement the accuracy of the data from the results of the literature review, the researcher will also conduct online interviews with one of the residents who live in Peniwen Village. Interviews were conducted using a digital platform, namely WhatsApp. The purpose of the interview is to add the necessary data related to the article.
In this study, the theoretical approach used is the theory of rationality proposed by Max Weber . This theory postulates that every taken by each individual has a reason and meaning, whether it is experience, understanding of an object, or the individual's assessment. Whether it's experience, understanding of an object, and the individual's assessment of a thing 14 . People certainly have their own reasons and there is a serious cognitive purpose and utility that underlines during the pandemic. Of course, the multicultural community living in Peniwen Village has a strong reason when undertaking and performing religious activities, and it is hoped that worship will serve to increase communal tolerance Al-Mada: Vol 4 no 2, 2021 among fellow religious believers (even though the village is well-known for being a Christian majority community).
This study uses three stages of data analysis techniques. The first is data reduction, which is the stage for analyzing, collecting, sharpening, classifying, and sorting the relevant materal that has been obtained and the result of interviews through telephone calls to informants, namely village resident. Second, data presentation is a technique used to compile or combine all existing information so that from the information a conclusion can be drawn.
The form of presentation of this research is data that can be in the form of interview evidence whether it is via WhatsApp video calls, voice messages, or other virtual messages. This study uses a qualitative method so that the most common data presentation is by being parsed or described which is narrative and descriptive. The last data analysis technique is drawing conclusions. In this last technique to get and be able to draw a conclusion, the way to do it is to read the whole result and understand it. The whole process or technique of data analysis aims to solve a conundrum that occurs during the research process.

Multicultural Society
Nations that are categorized as multicultural societies are those based on complex social differences 15 . The term multicultural is synonymous with multiple cultures, religions, ethnicities, races, groups, and customs. Having a very wide geographical area -stretching from Sabang to Merauke-means that Indonesia posses much societal diversity and countless cultures. These complicated differences may be prone to disputes or divisions between ethnic groups within the republic in Indonesia if the country is not shored up on a foundation. Disputes are liable to occur if each tribe or group is permitted to prides itself excessively over other social units.
It is therefore considered important to constantly emphasize mutual respect and tolerance within the framework of the civil rights of the individual. This sentiment is reflected in the official motto of the Indonesian state, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, which means different but still one.
In Indonesia, a unique multicultural society is spread throughout the region. Each island or district posses its own peculiar characteristics. They have different habits and ways of interacting between people 16 . One of the most obvious and prominent aspects of the 15  For these reasons, the Indonesian state may be described as rich in culture and its people are dubbed multicultural with all their differences 17 . Even though it grows predicated on various differences, multicultural society still lives side by side with all elements of different cultures. Even thought it grows, based on these various differences multicultural society thrives because basically what is needed when living side by side is a high sense of tolerance and mutual respect. For the life of a multicultural society, differences are not a barrier, but rather, a unifier among its citizens.

Peniwen Village, Kec. Kromengan, Kab. Poor
Malang Regency is the district with the second largest area in East Java. Its territory consists of 33 sub-districts, 12 sub-districts, and 378 villages. One of the villages in Kromengan District, Malang Regency, is unique for having prominent differences in beliefs from neighbouring villages. In fact, it is often referred to as a Christian village because the majority of the population in Peniwen Village is Christian. Statistically, the Christian population consistute 95% of the total number of inhabitants. In this village there is one church that has a long story in the region and has existed since the Dutch era, namely, GKJW (Jawi Wetan Christian Church) the Christian Congregation. This church has become an iconic part of the Peniwen village. Built in 1931, it combines colonial style with Javanese architecture.
Consequently, the construction of this church at the time was adapted to the tropical climate of the Malang area so that, for instance, the structure possess a high main door with two large windows on the right and left of the door. The shape of the building is also very close to traditional Javanese culture, namely, the typical joglo style with various kinds of ornamentation Al-Mada: Vol 4 no 2, 2021 made of wood. So, when the Europeans introduced and propagated the teachings of the Christian religion, they did not necessarily overwhelm the native culture.
The approach taken was to combine the two cultural paradigms in order to convey the protestant faith along local understandings. In other words, they adjusted the architectural style to the conditions and culture of the native community so that the specific religious teachings could be easily understood. In this manner, they were able to attract the attention and participation of such people who embrace the teachings of the Christian religion. Based on the history of the village of Peniwen, peni is an abbreviation of the word nyimpen or deviated from something, whereas, wen is short for deduwen which means ownership of an item or another. Although, until recently, it is still widely known as a Christian village, the locale also reflects the existence of a multicultural society. This is marked by the entry of other religions such as Islam and Hinduism that coexist with the Peniwen village community.

It is also undeniable that the development of religions and cultures other than
Christianity is also growing very rapidly throughout the archipelago, especially Islam which is the majority religion in Indonesia. The entry of other religions into the village of Peniwen can be seen from the establishment of an Islamic Orphanage named Dar Ar-Rahman Lil Aitam, and places of worship such as prayer rooms. These differences have not raised apprehensions among the people of Peniwen village but have been employed by local civic leaders to encourage mutual communal respect, promote tolerance, and foster brotherhood. Mosk folk in Peniwen Village wok as farmers in the fields. This is because of the geographical location of Peniwen village which is on the slopes of Mount Kawi. In addition to having people who are predominantly Christian, this village is also known for its beautiful natural beauty.
In recent years this natural beauty has been utilized and developed by the local community to attract tourists and increase communal revenue and divesify employment, increase income for residents, and improve welfare and the economy. The harmony that is formed in respecting the religious activities of other religions is because the people in this Peniwen village always help each other regardless of their faith background, the social interactions that are formed in each individual are also very deep, and the cooperation of the villagers themselves who always strive to create peace. So as not to question basic things such as differences in beliefs. Because people believe even though they have different beliefs, the teachings in each religion never teach something bad and always teach good. There has never been a theological teaching or activity that instructs its adherents to hate, ridicule, and demean other religions. Therefore, religious activities carried out by the multicultural community in Peniwen village are also able to have a good impact on the community itself. People can also learn many things not only from their religion but also from the culture of goodness of other religions.

Worshiping during a Pandemic
Currently, Indonesia is in a situation where all social activities must adhere to strict health regulations. These strictures start with mandatory mask wearing, social distancing in crowds, diligent personal hygiene in hard washing, and much more. This has happened because Indonesia has been hit by the covid-19 virus pandemic for over a year and this has caused hundreds of thousands of people to die. In Indonesia alone, to date, 1.41 million have been confirmed positive for covid-19, 1.23 million have recovered, and 38,229 have died. This is something that all Indonesian people must pay attention to 18 . If before the arrival of Covid, all activities undertaken by the community were running normally, then currently every activity is required to reduce crowds, follow health mandates such as wearing facemasks, provide a place to wash hands with running water and soap, and the maintenance of approximately one meter distance from other individuals.
This policy also applies to religious activities carried out by the community. This rule is applied starting from the implementation of worship every week in the church, the implementation of the worship in the month of Ramadhan, and all celebrations of religious holidays in Indonesia. When Christians want to worship in church, they must sit according to the distance that has been set, cannot be close together as usual and must always wear a mask.
Restrictions on the number of congregants who wish to worship in person at the church are Al-Mada: Vol 4 no 2, 2021 also limited. This is done so that all congregations can worship every week, church administrators facilitate online worship that can be accessed by the congregation from their respective homes. Likewise, during Christmas celebrations, it should not be too crowded. This is what the people of Peniwen village do. Even though, in conditions that are always limited, it doesn't make their enthusiasm to perform worship in the midst of a pandemic fade and just disappear. They have learned new things about the technology that is currently developing.
The public also realizes that the use of technology is not only intended for those who study IT but, for all individuals in this world. Worshiping during this pandemic brings its own challenges for the multicultural community living in Peniwen village. The challenge is getting used to always implementing health protocols even though it is considered uncomfortable. In addition, they are also able to increase tolerance and mutual respect for the implementation of other religious worship in the midst of a pandemic situation. The villagers work hand in hand to ensure that all residents can worship comfortably and feel safe. For this reason, the application of health protocols is not only carried out and applies to Christians, but to all religious people 19 .
Living side by side with all differences is not something that is easily carried out, moreover, these differences are related to the beliefs held 20 . However, the basis of the unity formed in Indonesia is to respect all these differences. Indonesia is known by countries in the world because of its differences. The differences that make Indonesia rich with diversity of tribes, languages, cultures, and customs 21 . Indonesia is a muslim majority country. However it is undebiable that there are areas in Indonesia where the majority of the adherents of the religion are not Islam, but Christians, Buddhists, and Confucians. On the island of Bali, for example, the main religion is Hinduism and the Muslims (and other) constitute a faith minority. The number of people who are Muslims or others can be counted and are religious minorities. This reality does not neccessitate inter-communal tension or violence. All groups strive to maintain mutual respect and tolerance, and do not interfere with the celebration of their respective religious holidyas. Al-Mada: Vol 4 no 2, 2021 At first, the appearance of other religions such as Islam and Hinduism in this village received a negative reaction. Because they assume that, the history of the formation of this village began with the spread of Christianity that occurred. The historical foundations of the village were rooted in the spread of Christianity amongst the native population, and villagers were apprehensive about immigration and integration of adherents of other religious traditions. Initially, the apprehension undermined village harmony and peace. So, ultimatley they realized it would be better to accept and live with all the differences. Religious activities that occur in this village are also running as they should without any abstacles. The community has been able to accept, help and respect each other, and always strive for tolerance.
Even during the covid-19 pandemic, they continue to carry out religious activities according to the teachings of their respective religions. However, there are differences and rules that apply when the implementation of religious activities takes place in pandemic conditions like this. Religious people are required to apply health protocols when worshiping in places of worship that are used by everyone 22 . Both the church and the prayer room that are there all apply health protocols to take care of themselves and others who worship. The community works hand in hand and always works together to take care of each other. The use of technology is also applied by the Church members of the Peniwen village, besides gradually waiting for their turn to worship every week, they also utilise the youtube channel to listen to the words of the Bible through live broadcasts. Diverting worship activities that are usually carried out in person to online, is an effort for residents to minimize the prevention of covid-19 23 .
For this reason, this is closely related to rationality and the reason the multicultural community continues to worship in pandemic conditions. The underlying reason is because religious activities are an obligation for every religious believer. Religious activities are also an existence of the people themselves so that others know that they have faith. Although religious activities in Peniwen Village are not as crowded and free as usual from conditions before the pandemic, the community carries out with seriousness and solemnity because worship is a direct communication aimed at God. The people of Peniwen village believe that, by continuing to carry out religious activities in accordance with the health protocols that have been implemented by the government, they will still feel safe and can worship in peace. This health protocol is followed, in addition to personal and public hygiene measures, in all places of worship that are used by many people. The multicultural community environment in the village of Peniwen appear to genuinely comprehend the neccessity of mutual respect and aid during times of crisis such as a health pandemic in order to maintain everything. There are many ways to make the process of carrying out religious activities run smoothly and safely.
The people of Peniwen Village continue to update information about the current covid-19 condition in Indonesia. This is to ensure that the policies set by the government can be implemented properly.
It seems the residents of Peniwen Village appreciate their differences and try to foster harmony. They comprehend the principle that differences will always exist in life, especially in matters of faith, but thet is not an excuse to avoid a peaceful and tolerant life. For this reason, the people of Peniwen Village continue to carry out religious activities during the pandemic on the basis of the mutual tolerance between inhabitants.