By: Umar Faruq *
In 2019, the Indonesian people will hold general elections (elections). Elections have a function as a means to continue the course of a democratic government system. Through elections, the people can choose their representatives directly, publicly, freely and confidentially. However, various efforts emerged to undermine the five-year democracy event. The number of hoax bursts spread by certain individuals to gain power has the potential to break the nation’s unity and intimidate voters to fear using their right to vote if it is not in accordance with the choice of the group.
Conflict between supporters becomes easily ignited if society is not wise and smart in receiving and tracing information correctly. If it is not immediately addressed, then the 2019 elections that are peaceful, fair and dignified will not be possible. Potential conflicts can occur like other countries due to hoaxes and slander which are deliberately made by those who do not want Indonesia to become a developed country.
Hoaks was spread because he had the motivation to make the community pessimistic and intimidate and delegitimize the results of the election later. Therefore, the community must be smart not to be easily caught up in hoax news, provoked slander, and even be tricked into politicizing religion. Communities also have to exercise their right to vote intelligently and wisely. There are so many ways that people can use our voting rights intelligently. One of them is political literacy.
When the majority of Indonesian people do not care about political problems, their voices will be utilized by irresponsible people who have bad intentions. If the community has been politically literate, it will not be easily fooled by the sweet promises of political elements which do not understand the meaning of the Nationalists. Because, the public can analyze track records and candidate achievements and examine the rationality of the program and the innovations offered.
As citizens who have rights and obligations, we must unite against hoaxes and not be afraid to choose for the success of the 2019 elections that are peaceful and dignified as well as the continuity of national leadership to ensure the success of Indonesia’s development in order to guarantee the nation’s future towards Insoenesia which is progressing.
Together, let’s fight hoaxes and reject Golput to move towards a more advanced future for Indonesia. Do not let this nation split in the midst of progress and development that are being intensely carried out now, only because of the interests of the few who want to rule without real work.
*) Banten Netizens