By: Permata Aulia
Ahead of the 2024 regional elections, a threat that cannot be ignored is the spread of SARA issues and hoaxes that can damage national unity and unity. In this crucial political moment, we all must be more alert and wise in dealing with the various information circulating.
SARA, which involves ethnicity, religion, race and groups, is often used as a tool by irresponsible individuals to divide society. This is exacerbated by the rise of hoax news which spreads rapidly via social media, triggering unnecessary tension and even horizontal conflict.
Diversity, which should be a strength, can actually turn into a source of division if not handled properly. For this reason, it is important for every citizen to be more critical and not easily provoked by information that is not necessarily true.
Ensuring that the regional elections take place safely and peacefully is not only the task of the government or certain institutions, but is the collective responsibility of all elements of society.
The National Assimilation Forum (FPK) plays a role as the front guard in maintaining social harmony during this political process. As a forum for information and communication, FPK has a big responsibility to ensure that national integration is maintained, even in the midst of sometimes unavoidable political ripples.
FPK is not just a symbol, but a vital mechanism for growing and maintaining a complete national spirit.
The role of the FPK becomes increasingly important when the threat of SARA conflict becomes real. Pekanbaru City Regional Secretary, Indra Pomi, firmly requested that the FPK work together with the government to prevent conflicts that could arise from ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group differences. It is hoped that this collaboration between the FPK and the government will be the first shield in facing potential disturbances that threaten public order.
FPK is also required to have early detection capabilities for potential conflicts. With early detection, FPK can take preventive steps before the problem develops into a bigger crisis.
Like an early warning system, FPK must be alert to detect early signs of conflict and immediately take necessary action. Initiatives like this will be very useful in preventing riots that could destroy the harmony that has been built for a long time.
Apart from that, monitoring hate speech and hoax news is an important agenda that must be carried out by the FPK. In this digital era, hoaxes spread very quickly and often uncontrollably, which then causes panic or even hatred in society.
Therefore, FPK must be able to provide education to the public so that they are wiser in responding to the information they receive. This education can be carried out through discussions and outreach involving community leaders, religious leaders and various related parties.
Bone Police Chief, AKBP Erwin Syah, also emphasized the importance of cooperation from all elements of society to maintain safe and peaceful regional elections. According to him, the public needs to be invited not to be easily provoked by issues that can divide unity.
Responding to hoaxes and identity politics that often arise before the Pilkada, Bone Police Chief reminded the importance of verifying information before sharing it with others. The principle of “filter before sharing” becomes very relevant to apply in this situation.
In a broader context, the Jakarta Bawaslu also reminded the public to be aware of the SARA issue which could emerge again, as in the 2017 regional elections. This experience should be an important lesson for all of us that the SARA issue can become a very dangerous political tool if not handled properly.
Therefore, Bawaslu has intensified coordination with various parties, from the city to sub-district level, to ensure that each stage of the Pilkada runs in accordance with the established rules.
To prevent violations, the public must actively monitor the running of the regional elections in their respective environments. The active involvement of citizens in the democratic process will be the key to keeping the regional elections clean from elements that could damage its integrity.
This collective awareness will not only help maintain order, but will also strengthen mutual trust between citizens which is an important foundation in every democratic society.
Maintaining peace and harmony during the 2024 regional elections is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the entire community. The threat of SARA issues and the spread of hoaxes is real, and can only be overcome if we all act critically and wisely in responding to any information we receive.
Facing this Pilkada, we must remember that differences in political choices are not a reason to divide, but rather a democratic process that should mature us as a nation. Therefore, let’s instill in ourselves to always check the facts before spreading information and not be easily provoked by issues that have the potential to damage unity.
That way, we not only maintain social harmony, but also pass on to future generations an important lesson about how valuable and important diversity is in building a strong nation. Together, we can ensure that the 2024 regional elections will be a democratic moment that is peaceful, inclusive and full of respect.
*) Social and Cultural Observer at the Indomedia Gala Institute