By: Aulia Rahma
The 2024 regional elections are getting closer. In the midst of people’s enthusiasm for electing new leaders in their regions, concerns arise about the rampant politicization of SARA (Ethnicity, Religion, Race and Intergroup). The politicization of SARA is a dangerous practice that can divide national unity and hinder the smooth running of democracy. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the dangers of politicization of SARA, it is important for us to jointly reject and fight this practice.The negative impact of the politicization of SARA is very large. First, this practice can cause conflict and violence between communities. Second, the politicization of SARA can damage the sense of national unity and unity. Third, this practice can hinder an honest and fair democratic process.The process of political contestation will soon begin, each candidate has confidently embraced their partner. In the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Election (Pilgub), a number of names have found their partners, but so far not a single partner has received a political party recommendation letter that will be used to register with the General Election Commission.Political Observer at Mataram State Islamic University (UIN) Dr. Ihsan Hamid said that his party continues to remind candidates and teams who will run in the NTB gubernatorial election not to play the SARA issue in the democratic contestation and hopes that the contestants and successful teams will not use the Sara issue to overthrow their opponents in the future gubernatorial election, but will fight maturely by selling ideas and ideas to society.The openness of the current democratic system is an effort to eliminate the Sara issue in every democratic event. Because the politicization of SARA is a very dangerous practice because it can divide society and trigger conflict. In Indonesia, which is known for its ethnic and religious diversity, the use of SARA issues in political campaigns can cause significant social tensions.The politicization of SARA not only damages the democratic process, but also has a negative impact on society as a whole. When SARA issues are used to manipulate election results, people can lose confidence in the democratic system and a fair election process. In addition, the focus on SARA issues often diverts attention from substantive issues that should be the main concern in regional elections, such as work programs, candidates’ vision and mission, and their ability to lead.All parties have been careful about the spread of politicization of SARA ahead of the 2024 regional elections, because such actions can have a negative impact and divide society. So it is hoped that the candidates taking part in the 2024 regional elections will be able to invite citizens to pursue healthy politics.Bawaslu member, Muhamad Sodiki, said that in every election, especially this regional election, there is always the potential for the politicization of SARA. It is also possible that this could happen in Bekasi City. Bawaslu has taken various efforts to prevent the politicization of SARA, one of which is by providing education to the public so that they do not get caught up in politicization.
The Bekasi City Bawaslu also involves the District Supervisory Committee (Panwascam). Apart from that, community leaders and religious leaders also took part in providing education. so that political parties or success teams are expected not to use SARA to gain support. We want a joyful regional election contestation.Rejecting the politicization of SARA is a collective task that requires active participation from various parties, including the government, political parties, media and civil society. The government and law enforcement agencies must be firm in taking action against violations involving the politicization of SARA. This includes imposing strict sanctions on parties proven to be using SARA issues for political interests.The public needs to be given a good understanding of the dangers of politicization of SARA and the importance of choosing based on the work program and capacity of the candidate. Media literacy is also important so that people can recognize news that has provocative nuances and not get caught up in the SARA narrative.Mass media has an important role in creating a healthy campaign atmosphere. The media must be neutral and not spread news or opinions that could trigger racial conflict. Media can also be a means of political education for the public.The most important thing is that political parties and candidates must show a commitment not to use SARA issues in their campaigns. They must focus on issues that are more substantive and relevant to society’s needs.Rejecting the politicization of SARA in regional elections is a crucial step to maintain the integrity of democracy and social harmony in Indonesia. The practice of politicizing SARA not only damages the democratic order but also endangers national unity. Therefore, all parties must commit to carrying out the democratic process with integrity, refrain from harmful practices, and focus on issues that are truly important for the welfare of society.Elections that are clean and free from SARA issues will produce leaders who are truly competent and can be trusted to lead their regions. In this way, society can enjoy the results of a healthy and mature democracy. Let us together reject the politicization of SARA and create regional elections that are dignified and fair.)* Jakarta State University student