The West Sumatra Province in Indonesia encapsulates a multifaceted environmental, economic, and cultural milieu. Aligned with the tenets of justice, sustainable development, and national unity, the nation's policy endeavours to establish a framework within the ambit of national moderation. This framework is instrumental in fostering inclusivity, equity, and concord within the aforementioned province. Consequently, this research delves into diverse interpretations of radicalism and moderation in the context of nationalism within West Sumatra Province. Notably, public perceptions of two policies or regulations related to terrorism exhibit variance. Employing a focused ethnographic method, specifically micro ethnography, the research scrutinizes intricate details of small units or groups within the cultural landscape. In the preliminary phase, a limited survey involving 142 samples was conducted to gain insights into people's comprehension and perspectives on state regulations and moderation within the nation. The research participants predominantly comprised individuals aged 16-25 (73%), with a majority (78.23%) representing the academic community, mainly students from diverse regions in West Sumatra, and 62% of whom were female. The discernible inference is that respondents acknowledge the imperative of recognizing differences, yet a prevailing assumption persists regarding the dominant role of specific religions and ethnicities in the nation's foundation. Despite discernible disparities in everyday life, intergroup relations exhibit cohesion, and democratic values are internalized in the respondents' cognition. While policies and regulations are viewed as essential for addressing societal challenges, there exists a challenge in elucidating policy language to community stakeholders. Respondents posit that sanctions (punishments) hold a peripheral role in instilling societal compliance with rules. The implications of the research findings are anticipated to serve as a foundational underpinning for government policies at both local and national tiers, aiming to fortify the implementation of national moderation values and mitigate the potential for radicalism and intolerance within society. Furthermore, the study encourages policymakers to formulate effective strategies promoting harmony and equality within the province, thereby fostering significant societal outcomes.