By: Lukman Keenan Adar)*
In every election of the head of district, the political dynamics in Indonesia are always interesting to observe. However, behind the whirlwind of campaigns and sweet promises, there is a danger to our democracy, namely the politicization of the SARA issue. (Suku, Agama, Ras, dan Antargolongan).
The politicization of SARA not only undermines social harmony, but also poses a serious threat to the integrity of democracy in Indonesia. This condition must be overcome immediately, not only by the organizers of the elections, but also by the whole element of society that cares about the future of the nation.
The election of a governor in the Special District of Jakarta has always been a highlight, because of its social and political complexity. The Election Oversight Agency (Bawaslu) DKI Jakarta has identified a number of virginities that should be a serious concern in the DKI Pilgub. Past experience shows that campaigns loaded with SARA material tend to break the unity and create polarization amongst society.
In the map of Bawaslu’s virginity, the SARA issue occupies the highest category. This phenomenon can’t be considered trivial. SARA’s politicization is often carried out in the form of calls to reject a particular candidate based on tribal, religious, or racial backgrounds. More than that, the rule-breaking campaigns and the spread of SARA’s hoax material on social media are making the situation worse.
This condition creates an unhealthy selection atmosphere. Tensions are rising, and societies are divided on the basis of primordial identities. In fact, the essence of democracy is choosing leaders based on the abilities and visions they offer, not their ethnic or religious backgrounds. SARA’s politicization will only take us back to a dark past, where diversity is seen as a threat, not wealth.
At the voting stage, virginity is also visible. One indicator is the possibility of a recounting of votes and the emergency mobilization of additional voters on the voting day.
It is a signal that this stage also needs special attention from all parties involved in the organization of the elections. The momentary interests must not be at the expense of the basic principles of democracy that should uphold honesty and justice.
Bawaslu also noted moderate and low virginity, which includes campaigns outside campaign time, conflicts between supporters of candidate pairs, as well as administrative problems such as unqualified voters who are listed on the voter lists. Though appearing milder, this virginity still affects the quality of the elections and public confidence in the democratic process.
In a broader context, the threat of SARA politicization is not only happening in Jakarta, but also in various parts of Indonesia. Whenever the SARA issue is used for political purposes, we are actually playing a fire that can burn the unity and unity of the nation.
This identity-based tension could spread and create long-term devastating effects, including a loss of public confidence in electoral processes and democratic institutions.
Healthy elections are supposed to be an occasion for the contest of ideas, not a time for the creation of differences. This is where the role of political parties, candidates, and successful teams is important in creating a healthy political climate. They need to put forward a clear, public-interest-oriented programme of work, not just playing identity issues that could divide society.
The public must also become more intelligent in dealing with the SARA issues thrown in political campaigns. Active public participation in the elections, both as voters and as supervisors, is the key to ensuring that SARA’s politicization does not get a place in our democracy.
Switching to Maluku, Bawaslu Province Maluku is taking proactive steps by spreading political education and election surveillance to remote areas. The coordinator of the Division of Prevention, Public Participation, and Public Relations of Bawaslu Maluku, Daim Baco Rahawarin, explained that this education is important to encourage participatory surveillance based on civil society.
Daim reiterated that although only two villages were visited, Bawaslu is committed to continuing to expand the reach of education to various districts and cities. The aim is to shape the character of the election supervisor in the community and encourage active participation in the upcoming Pilkada. People are expected to use their right to vote wisely to ensure that democracy runs well.
In Bima City, efforts to prevent the politicization of SARA are increasingly enhanced through cooperation between Bawaslu City Bima and the Office of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) of Bima. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to combat monetary politics and the politicization of SARA.
According to the Coordinator of the Division of Law, Prevention, Parmas & Humas (Kordiv HP2H) Bawaslu City Bima, Idhar this MoU includes several important points such as data exchange, agreement on the political danger of money and SARA, as well as monitoring the neutrality of ASN. This cooperation is expected to prevent violations and ensure Pilkada runs safely and peacefully.
As a society that lives in diversity, we must unite against all forms of SARA politicization. It is not just about choosing the right leader, it is also about preserving the heritage of democracy and diversity that we have built together. Let us together protect Indonesian democracy from the threat of SARA’s politicization, for a better future for all.
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute
