By: Ayu Nabilla )*
Some regions in Indonesia will soon be holding simultaneous local elections in 2020. However, the joy of the democratic party has the potential to be undermined by the spread of hoaxes and SARA issues. The public was asked to be wary of spreading false news and SARA politicization in order to realize the 2020 Peace Election.
Crucial issues that deserve attention in the 2020 elections are SARA and hoax information. Both can be used as variables to measure the high and low integrity of the democratic process through direct elections. Hoax information is not enough just a lie. Hoax is a lie with an evil purpose accompanied by an element of hatred towards someone. By delivering and disseminating news that is not in accordance with the facts. To win a competition sometimes this way is done. The impact of hoax news including the fall of the name and self-esteem of candidates. The people became provoked and caused unrest.
The issue of SARA is increasingly being called by each supporter to attack political opponents. This method is considered dirty. In fact, the Indonesian state consists of various ethnicities, ethnicities, races, cultures, and religions. The strength of the Indonesian nation lies in its diversity. Respect the tolerance of differences that occur. Thus, the difference in choice in the elections which is one of the democratic processes must be seen as a potential to produce honest, fair, and professional leadership without highlighting one group. By doing so, an attitude of tolerance on the differences in political choices in the 2020 elections will be able to continue to foster the unity of the Indonesian nation.
The importance of maintaining the process of democratic party in this area, then all state institutions in the implementation of the elections must be able to create a cool democratic climate and not to undermine the unity and harmony of social life that is safe and harmonious.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin hoped that the implementation of Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) simultaneously in 2020 in 270 regions will not be colored by issues related to SARA or hoaxes. To avoid conflict in the elections, Mar’ruf explained that there would be strict sanctions imposed on the perpetrators. Ma’ruf Amin also hopes that the elites involved in the 2020 elections will not provoke and encourage peaceful elections. “I think the elite have also begun to awaken that all of them are NKRI, so there are no more SARA issues”. In addition, the provision of political education for the community also needs to be done in order to build a harmonious and characterized community. The education can come from formal education institutions or through discussions in various forums so that the community is not easily provoked by issues related to SARA.
Support for a peaceful, safe and peaceful regional election while maintaining a strong sense of unity and unity must certainly be pledged by all elements of society starting from religious leaders, traditional leaders, and community leaders. So that this democratic party will run smoothly and peacefully for the unity and integrity of the Indonesian people
)* The author is a student majoring in political science UNJ