CIDISS. The use of ethnic, religious, racial and intergroup issues (SARA) is feared to continue in the 2018 Regional Head Elections. If we reflect on the politicization mode of the sensitive issue, especially the politicization of religion in the 2017 Jakarta Head Election, we will find four main determinants. First, the candidate factor. Candidates in the democracy party in Jakarta are an important factor explaining the workings of religious politicization. The figure of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) must be acknowledged as a vulnerable figure to be the object of ethnic and religious based political exclusion because Ahok is a plural minority.
Second, sublimation of political discourse. The discourse that developed after the viral events of video postings of Buni Yani shows the sophistication of the unity of political discourse into religious discourse, even nationalism. The reproduction of counter-Ahok discourse is done by “meluhurkan” political contestation into “religious jihad and statehood”. The operators of the discourse fabricate such anti-Ahok public anger with “jihad of ummah against religious penista” so that there are volumes of demonstrations against Ahok.
Third, mass mobilization. The last election of Jakarta Capital City is unique because mass mobilization ultimately involves not only local voters but also the mass of almost all Indonesians who have not recovered from post-election 2014 polarization. This illustrates the “perfection” of religious politicization work involving many elements group.
Fourth, consolidation of intolerant groups. The groups that play and become determinant factors in the elections of DKI actually began to consolidate since a decade ago. It is characterized by the high frequency of vigilante actions that mostly involve them as actors as confirmed by some research institutes such as Setara Institute and Wahid Institute / Foundation. In Jakarta’s elections they are continuously launching intolerant influences and actions on Jakarta voters such as the expulsion of opposing contestants from the mosque, refusal to observe the bodies of supporters of “religious pensions”, the spread of threats to hell by infidels and hypocrisy, and some other actions.
Many of the issues used by these vigilant groups to make political divisions in the elections for their interests. The moral issues, as the trend that has lasted for almost two decades, will continue to be their primary basis for existence.
Therefore, the preparation of election organizers and security apparatus is still needed. Because despite the large and widespread politicization of religion as in the past elections, it is difficult to replicate, the potential use of SARA sentiments remains large considering that intolerant groups often use political events as a medium to show their existence and improve their political-economic bargaining power.
By: Mirwan Achmad *)
