Halal Food and Inclusivity in Children’s Literature: A Case Study of Halal Exploration from Cultural and Religious Perspectives in Kindergartens in Indonesia

Abstract

Halal food holds profound cultural and religious significance in Indonesian society. In the Early Childhood Education (ECE) context, understanding halal food becomes pivotal in ensuring genuine inclusivity for all children. This paper examines how halal food is integrated into children's literature in kindergarten and how the integration impacts the inclusivity of children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This paper adopts a case study approach to comprehend how cultural and religious perspectives influence the understanding and implementation of halal food in children's literature in kindergarten. The findings provide deep insights into how halal food can serve as a crucial tool in promoting inclusivity in kindergarten while respecting Indonesia's cultural and religious diversity. This paper also offers practical recommendations for educators and policymakers in the field of ECE to ensure that halal food and inclusive children's literature become integral components of children's learning experiences in kindergarten. This paper explores the importance of halal food within the context of inclusivity in ECE settings, specifically in Indonesian kindergarten through children's literature. This paper contributes to enhancing a more inclusive education system aligned with Indonesia's cultural and religious values.