Interfaith Figures Invite Communities to Unite and Maintain Conduciveness After the 2024 Election
By : Rizka Aulia*)
In an era full of differences and potential conflict, the role of religious figures as unifiers of society is becoming increasingly important. They have the power to carry messages of peace, tolerance and interfaith cooperation. Especially after the 2024 election, the challenge faced is how to ensure that society remains united and maintains conduciveness in facing election results that may give rise to differences of opinion and political tensions. In this context, the role of religious figures as unifiers of society is very important.
Religious figures have moral and spiritual authority that can influence society in dealing with differences and conflict. They can invite their people to maintain unity, respect differences of opinion, and communicate well. More than just giving religious lectures, religious figures can also act as mediators between different groups, helping reduce tensions and facilitating constructive dialogue.
Community leaders appealed to the public to remain patient and wait for the official election results issued by the KPU with a positive attitude and not to be easily taken in by provocative information that could cause division. A cleric from West Java, Abdulah Gymnastiar, said that the presidential election process is already underway, while waiting for a decision from the KPU, we should both exercise restraint, lest there be any attitudes that could create new problems.
In post-election conflict situations, religious figures can act as facilitators of dialogue between different parties. They can help people communicate better, listen to each other, and find solutions that satisfy all parties. As mediators, they can also help reduce tensions and prevent conflict from escalating.
Religious figures, where they reminded that the entire society is a unified whole in the Republic of Indonesia, do not let the attitudes of the people who support their respective choices in democracy harm the values of national unity and integrity.
The importance of joint efforts by religious leaders in maintaining the conduciveness of society is clearly visible in the current conflict situation. By setting an example of how to respect and cooperate among different religions, they build a strong foundation for peace and stability.
Likewise, the Secretary of the North Sulawesi Christian Council (MUKI), Pdt. Alfrets Daleno said that now that the 2024 election is over, sportsmanship needs to be addressed, because differences are a human thing, but do not lead to division.
The approach that can be taken by religious leaders is to emphasize universal values such as peace, compassion and tolerance. By highlighting shared values between religions, they can build bridges between different groups and reduce the potential for conflict.
Chairman of the JQH NU North Sulawesi, Ustad Barokah Zaenal Alam, also agreed that after the 2024 elections, the echo of peace must continue even though the elections have passed, because this will promote greater harmony and harmony amidst electoral differences when the democratic party is over.
Religious leaders in various countries have made great efforts to calm the public and avoid violence. They held interfaith prayers, inter-religious dialogue meetings, and peace campaigns that invited all parties to contribute to maintaining peace and stability.
Religious figures also have an important role in building bridges between religions. By emphasizing shared values between religions, they can help reduce tensions between religious communities and strengthen solidarity among diverse societies. Interfaith dialogue and interfaith cooperation are key to maintaining peace and unity.
Inclusive religious education and interfaith dialogue can also help build better understanding between religious communities and reduce tensions. By strengthening cooperation between religious leaders, government and civil society, a more harmonious and peaceful environment after the election can be created.
In the midst of post-election political dynamics, the voices of religious figures calling for messages of unity and tolerance have had a big impact. Through lectures, writing, or media appearances, they can spread messages of peace and remind people of the importance of uniting for the common good. After the 2024 elections, maintaining conduciveness and unity as a nation will be a common task for all elements of society.
Let’s support the joint efforts of religious leaders in maintaining conduciveness and maintaining unity amidst the diversity of differences that exist.
In facing the complexity of modern multicultural and multireligious society, the role of religious figures as peacemakers and unifiers is crucial. Through wisdom, empathy and example, they can help society to remain united and maintain conduciveness, even in the most difficult situations. Therefore, there needs to be greater support and appreciation for their efforts in maintaining unity and peace after the 2024 elections.
)* Open University Students
