Jakarta – The practice of identity politics as well as the implementation of campaigns with SARA nuances in the election process are indeed things that must be watched out for by all parties because it can cause divisions in society.
The chairman of the KPU, Hasyim Asy’ari emphasized that it has been clearly regulated regarding the prohibition of the practice of identity politics.
“In the Election Law, it’s clear that there are rules for using the SARA instrument if in the language of the law it can be called identity politics as a means or tool to socialize oneself or self-campaign is prohibited,” he said.
For information that in Article 280 of Law no. 7/2017 concerning Elections, it is true that there is a prohibition on the use of SARA instruments as a means of campaigning for oneself.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) also warned every election participant, that is, in a political year like now in 2023 to 2024, all parties must continue to be aware of the potential for national disintegration.
Therefore, when a violation occurs in the form of a political party using identity politics with SARA nuances, they will immediately receive a warning from the Indonesian Bawaslu.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Election Supervisory Body, Rahmat Bagja, also admitted that identity politics is a big problem.
He himself reflected on how the elections in 2019 went, where there was quite high polarization in society.
“Identity politics was a big problem in the 2019 election,” he said.
Rahmat Bagja also emphasized that his party would take action against election participants who used SARA politics with the stages of sanctions.
“We will impose sanctions. First, of course a warning to those concerned, we hope they will not do this again, “he said.
On another occasion, Secretary of the MUI for Serang City, Amas Tadjuddin also reminded political elites not to use identity politics because it destroys social life.
According to him, when identity politics can be prevented, then the functioning of democracy in the country will be much smoother, safer and peaceful.
“Things like this (identity politics) must be prevented early so that the democratic process can run smoothly, safely and peacefully,” he said.
How could it not be, because with the SARA issue, it will trigger heated conditions in society so that it will end in conflict and division.
Political participants who use identity politics will even do everything they can including infiltrating arguments from the holy verses just for the sake of passing their interests to win the contest.
“The production of hoaxes and slander has increased, even the propositions of the holy verses (holy scriptures) are being spread and manipulated in order to intoxicate and fool the universal people. The important thing is to win, “added Amas.
