Teachers’ Perspective Concerning Multicultural Education to Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Objective: The aim of this research is to understand the teacher's perspective on multicultural education. This paper discusses the teachers’ perspective concerning multicultural education in Indonesia.   Theoretical Framework: Multicultural education is an education system that recognizes and respects the diversity of cultures, races, religions and social backgrounds of students. The study of the role of teachers in multicultural education is an important factor in supporting policy-making on multiculturalism.   Method: There were 55 teachers with more than five years of work experience giving their perspectives. Data were collected by observation and in-depth interviews. The data underwent analysis using the four processes outlined in the Interactive Model of Analysis.   Results and Discussion: The results showed that the teachers’ perspective concerning multicultural education is divided into five aspects, namely: (1) knowledge, (2) attitudes, (3) policies, (4) obstacles, and (5) reinforcement. Not all teachers understand the concept of multicultural education. Basically, the teacher agrees to the implementation of multicultural education because Indonesia is a multicultural country. Government policies have supported the implementation of multicultural education. The obstacle to multicultural education is the low awareness of students about respect for diversity. Strengthening multicultural education can be done by increasing teachers' knowledge about multicultural education and students' insights about diversity.   Research Implications: The findings of this study hold significant relevance for governmental deliberation in formulating policies pertaining to multicultural education.   Originality/Value: The results of this research are important for government consideration in taking policy on multiculturalism education. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG 11 in making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.