By: Hendra Pratama
As we approach the simultaneous regional elections in 2024, the involvement of religious figures in maintaining peace and order becomes a crucial element in ensuring that the democratic process runs safely, honestly, and fairly. On various occasions, religious figures have demonstrated their commitment not only to being spiritual leaders but also as pillars of moral enforcement in society, especially in preventing violations and maintaining harmony in a pluralistic community.
By actively involving religious figures, the Election Supervisory Board and the police in various regions are trying to close the gaps that could lead to violations and conflicts during the implementation of the regional elections. Their presence is not only as figures of moral authority but also as a bridge between the community and the government to keep the democratic process free from negative practices such as money politics, the spread of hoaxes, and sensitive issues related to ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations that are prone to incite unrest.
The Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of Central Lombok Regency recognizes the urgency of involving community leaders, especially religious figures, in maintaining the integrity and smoothness of the 2024 regional elections. The socialization held to educate them about participatory oversight is one of Bawaslu’s strategic steps in garnering public support.
According to Usman Faesal, the Coordinator of the Prevention, Community Participation, and Public Relations Division of the Lombok Tengah Election Supervisory Board, religious leaders play a very significant role in creating a peaceful and democratic regional election.
Faesal emphasized that the Election Supervisory Board cannot possibly conduct oversight on its own without the assistance of community leaders. The active involvement of religious leaders is expected to broaden the scope of oversight and simultaneously provide healthy political education to the community. Thus, religious figures not only function as overseers but also as facilitators in maintaining clean elections free from violations.
The importance of the involvement of religious figures is also acknowledged by one of the religious leaders of Mantang Village, Lalu Ahmad Saiful Hadi, who expressed his commitment to actively participate in oversight. He believes that public awareness of the importance of this oversight must start from within themselves.
By providing education, religious leaders can encourage the community to exercise their voting rights responsibly and to steer clear of practices that undermine the integrity of elections, such as vote buying and black campaigning.
On the other hand, the police apparatus is also involved in maintaining security and order during the 2024 regional elections. The Bangkinang City Police, for example, actively conducts outreach to religious leaders and the local community through various activities.
In that meeting, Bhabinkamtibmas from Bangkinang Kota Police Station, Aipda Masriadi, invited religious leaders to play an active role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the election process.
The main message conveyed in the meeting was the importance of maintaining harmony among religious communities and dispelling issues related to ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations that are often used as political tools. Masriadi emphasizes that interfaith harmony is one of the key factors in creating a peaceful and secure regional election.
In addition, he also reminded the importance of rejecting hoax news that often appears on social media ahead of elections, as well as the dangers of money politics that can undermine democracy.
Not only that, the Bangkinang City Police Station is also committed to carrying out preemptive and preventive activities, such as dialogic patrols and home visits, in order to maintain a conducive atmosphere. This proactive action is one of the efforts by the police to anticipate potential conflicts that may arise during the electoral stages of the regional elections.
In this regard, religious leaders are expected to play a role as mediators and balancers amid the various social-political challenges that arise.
Not only the Election Supervisory Board and the police, but the Ministry of Religious Affairs also recognizes its strategic role in ensuring a peaceful regional election. In various regions, such as in Tegal Regency, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is actively holding focus group discussions to discuss the synergy between the government and religious leaders.
The Head of the Tegal Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs, H.M. Aqsho, stated that elections are a very important democratic process, and the role of religious leaders in maintaining harmony is crucial.
According to Aqsho, interfaith harmony must be maintained, especially during the election process, considering that Indonesia is a country with diverse religions, ethnicities, and cultures. A good synergy between religious leaders and the government can serve as a strong fortress in facing various potential conflicts that may arise during the democratic process.
Furthermore, he emphasized that civil servants (ASN) must also maintain their neutrality during the elections. This commitment aligns with the public’s hope for fair, honest, and peaceful regional elections.
Religious figures are not only expected to set a good example in daily life, but they are also hoped to enlighten the community about the importance of maintaining unity and avoiding division.
With the 2024 regional elections approaching, the challenges faced are not few. Issues such as identity politics, the spread of hoaxes, and money politics remain serious threats that can undermine the democratic process. However, with the more active involvement of religious and community leaders, the hope for peaceful and democratic regional elections is becoming increasingly bright.
The role of religious figures in this matter is very strategic. They not only serve as a balance amidst various political interests, but also act as the moral guardians of society. Thus, religious leaders are expected to serve as role models who encourage the community to be more wise in facing elections, maintain harmony, and reject all forms of fraud.
Public Policy and Political Researcher – People’s Political Study Center (PSPR)