By: Hasan Mubarak )*
In the context of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada), the role of religious figures is becoming increasingly central in maintaining social stability and peace in society. Pilkada is a democratic process that often gives rise to tension, both from a political and social perspective. Therefore, the contribution of religious figures in promoting peaceful regional elections is very necessary to maintain the integrity of the nation.
Head of the National Police’s Nusantara Cooling System (NCS) Task Force, Brigadier General Pol. Rudy Syafirudin stated that the involvement of religious, traditional and community leaders in creating a safe and peaceful Pilkada atmosphere was an important key. This is because religious figures are highly respected and have a significant influence in shaping public opinion, especially in reducing the potential for conflict during the regional elections.
The existence of religious figures in society is not only as spiritual leaders, but also as figures who are able to bridge differences in views and beliefs, and unite various elements of society. As seen in the event held in Lampung, religious figures, together with various elements of society such as the MUI and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), took part in spreading the message of peaceful regional elections. This shows that religious figures can be the main pillars in voicing the importance of unity amidst the potential for division that often arises before the regional elections.
One of the biggest challenges in regional elections is the spread of incorrect information or hoaxes. The public must be more alert, especially ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada, against the spread of news with SARA (Ethnicity, Religion, Race and Intergroup) nuances, black campaigns and hate speech that can damage unity. In this case, religious figures have an important role as guardians of public morals, providing enlightenment and guiding people not to be easily influenced by information that can divide the nation.
Not only in the aspect of security and stability, the involvement of religious figures also plays a role in increasing voter participation. In Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, for example, the local General Election Commission (KPU) involves the role of religious and community leaders to encourage people to come to the voting stations. Bangka Regency KPU Commissioner, Cory Ihsan, explained that religious figures have a big influence in their environment and are able to convince people to exercise their right to vote. Of course, this further emphasizes that religious figures have a very strategic role, not only in terms of maintaining peace, but also in improving the quality of democracy through community participation.
The importance of the involvement of religious figures in maintaining peace and participation in regional elections can also be seen in the peace campaign declaration held at Tugu Pahlawan, Surabaya. The joint prayer led by representatives of five religions (Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism) is a strong symbol of harmonious diversity in East Java. This prayer not only asks for the smooth running of the Pilkada, but also reminds the public to maintain peace, unity, and accept the results of the Pilkada with grace, whether they win or lose. Religious figures, in this case, promote the importance of peaceful and dignified regional elections, as well as avoiding slander and hoaxes that can damage the democratic process.
One of the East Java Islamic religious leaders, Sya’roni, who participated in the joint prayer in Surabaya, said that national unity is the most important thing. The prayer offered shows awareness of the importance of obeying applicable regulations and abstaining from actions that could cause division. Furthermore, the prayer also underlines the importance of the ability to accept the results of the Pilkada with a large heart, a message that is very relevant in maintaining post-Pilkada peace.
Apart from that, religious figures also have a moral responsibility to continue to remind the public of the importance of ethics in democracy, such as avoiding smear campaigns, hate speech and all forms of provocation that have the potential to divide the nation. In many cases, the voices of religious figures are able to calm the atmosphere and reduce potential conflicts that could arise due to differences in political views.
There are quite a few roles of religious figures involved in the implementation of general elections. Many religious figures are involved in the regional elections, such as members of the KPU, KPPS, PPK, PPS and Bawaslu. It is not surprising why religious figures are highly trusted by the public and the government to organize regional elections. The role of religious figures and public political participation has a very close relationship and cannot be separated. Because if the role of religious figures improves, political participation will also increase. This is where the role of figures is needed to change the mindset of people who are less active in political participation. Apart from that, the role and function of religious figures is very important in controlling this increasingly democratic climate, especially regarding wrong understandings in politics.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that the success of peaceful regional elections does not only lie in the ability of the security forces to maintain stability, but also in the central role of religious figures in fostering a spirit of unity and integrity.
Support from religious figures, who are trusted and respected by society, can be the key to success in avoiding social polarization which often occurs during political times such as regional elections. With the active involvement of religious leaders, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections can take place safely, peacefully, and still prioritize the values of brotherhood and national integrity.)* United Civil Forum Researcher