Local Government Policies and the Implementation of Multiculturalism in Medan City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/mjds.v3i1.332Keywords:
Multiculturalism, Local Government Policy, Urban Governance, Social CohesionAbstract
Urban diversity has intensified the importance of local governments in translating multicultural principles into concrete governance practices. This study aims to examine how local government policies shape and implement multiculturalism in Medan City, one of Indonesia’s most ethnically and religiously diverse urban centers. Using a qualitative case study design, the research draws on policy document analysis and semi-structured interviews with local government officials involved in social, cultural, and community affairs. The methodology enables an in-depth exploration of policy frameworks, institutional roles, and implementation mechanisms related to multicultural governance. The findings show that multiculturalism in Medan City is formally articulated through policy discourses of social harmony, tolerance, and inclusion, yet implemented in a largely pragmatic and sectoral manner. Multicultural practices are most visible in public service delivery, particularly in education and community-based programs, which contribute to everyday intergroup interaction and local social cohesion. However, implementation remains uneven due to fragmented coordination, limited resources, and varying institutional interpretations that prioritize social stability over cultural recognition. Overall, the study highlights that multiculturalism at the local level operates as an incremental governance practice rather than a comprehensive policy regime. These findings underscore the critical role of local governments in mediating diversity and offer insights for strengthening inclusive urban governance in plural societies.
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