By: Yuda Pramono Andi *
The Presidential Election is only counting the days. Open campaigns have also been started from March 24 to April 13, 2019. Timses of the two candidates are in droves to hold various kinds of campaigns with various places and media. Bawaslu again reminded that the two Election participants did not use the campaign, either openly or not, in places of worship which in this case were mosques.
It is undeniable that on various occasions mosques were used by politicians to hold black campaigns. Where the issues raised are racial issues and religious sentiments. Of course it is still fresh in memory, when Ahok tried to run again as the Governor of Jakarta in 2017, both issues were raised to overthrow him.
Mosques in the capital’s area were boisterous with the screams of hatred that were heard through the mosque’s toa. The contents of the squeals were the voices of not liking the non-religious cagub with the Muslims. Various doctrines were also held with content that suggested choosing cagub (gubernatorial candidates) who were religious in accordance with religious teachings. The final result of the pilgub at that time was already known the answer right?
In general, a worshiper who comes to the mosque intends to worship and get calm. And if possible a place for someone to get the guidance of Allah SWT. That is the function of the actual mosque. Instead of listening to lectures oriented to political campaigns, which do not necessarily fit the political views of the congregation itself.
This is what makes the interests of the mosque and practical political interests unable to go hand in hand. Indeed the act of “hijacking” mosques for political purposes does not require a lot of funds. But it is not impossible, it actually decreases the dignity of the mosque as a holy place that can be used as a shelter for the people.
Horizontal conflicts between Muslims can also occur. Because in the language of the political campaign indirectly each other will offend to overestimate themselves. The severity of the mutual offense was carried out between Muslims and Muslims who were supposed to be brothers. When that conflict occurs, even Muslims will be divided. That should also be addressed wisely by politicians to understand the situation and conditions.
Can’t you talk about politics in a mosque? Clearly, this rule has been contained in Law No. 32 of 2004 which prohibits campaign activities in places of worship and educational institutions. Of course, if it is related to practical politics, this is still not permitted. It is different if the things discussed are political, economic, and anti-corruption campaigns. These topics are still permitted, because they will provide education to the community.
Mosques, as places of worship for Muslims, are not public spaces and are not only used by one Islamic organization. As is known, the Muslim community in Indonesia has many Islamic organizations – say Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, Indonesian Islamic Da’wah Institution (LDII), Hizb ut-Tahrir, etc.
This is proof that the mosque is the home of all Muslims. Therefore, it is unethical to hold a lecture with the intention of campaigning for politics. Moreover, black campaigne that alludes to religious issues. Of course, banning political campaigns cannot be swallowed blindly. For example, a mosque congregation came to the mosque using a t-shirt with a particular political party not necessarily intended to hold a campaign movement.
Besides that, not all pilgrims of sympathizers for political parties or candidates for presidential candidates – certain vice presidential candidates. This is what should be realized regarding the plurality of Muslims. After all, not necessarily, a worshiper agrees with the contents of the campaign. Maybe the people sitting next to each other differ in their political views.
Political campaigns in the mosque are common among people. Of course this is difficult to eradicate, considering this has become a ingrained habit. To eliminate this habit active participation is needed between the community and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) in shaping awareness that the mosque is not a place for campaigning.
Bawaslu seems to need to take a persuasive approach to religious leaders. The goal is that the community is not affected and can distinguish clearly whether the lecture of a cleric leads to campaign activities or not. The mosque can also be restored to function as a place of preaching, positive activities, and growing tolerance. Thus, social relations between Muslims do not rub together.
- The author is an observer of social and political problems
