By : Dwi Cahya Alfarizi )*
The implementation of simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) on November 27 2024, is an important moment for all Indonesian citizens. However, we must be alert to potential conflicts between groups and citizens that could arise, especially because of religious issues raised by several parties.
Preventing ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group (SARA) provocation is not only an individual responsibility, but also our collective responsibility as a society that desires harmony and peace.
In the run-up to the regional elections, the issue of SARA is often used to divide people. In the Cimahi City and West Bandung areas, this situation is of particular concern.
West Bandung Buddhist religious figure, Bhikkhu Suddhasilo, reminded us that we must be wise in supporting candidate pairs. According to him, so far people from various religions have supported each other in carrying out their worship and daily activities.
When Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day, people from various religions help. This shows how strong inter-religious tolerance is in this region.
The issue of religion should not be a weapon to attack other candidate pairs. Every Indonesian citizen has the right to vote and be elected, so SARA issues should be avoided in order to maintain conduciveness and harmony in society.
Inter-religious harmony in the Cimahi City and West Bandung areas is currently well established. It would be very unfortunate if divisions occurred due to differences in political and religious choices.
Not only Buddhist religious leaders, Catholic, Hindu, Confucian and Islamic religious leaders also agreed not to use identity politics in the simultaneous regional elections. They jointly called for the SARA issue not to be used as a political tool. This interfaith cooperation is proof that mutual cooperation can be a force in maintaining peace and order.
The police also play an important role in anticipating the rise of hoax and SARA issues on social media. Cimahi Police Chief, AKBP Aldi Subartono, reminded the public to be wise in using social media and not to spread hoax and racial information.
According to him, the public must always be alert to provocations in the name of SARA. Not only before the regional elections, but at all times, we must maintain tolerance and conduciveness between religious communities.
Throughout this year, tolerance between religious communities in Cimahi City and West Bandung has been extraordinary. The community supports each other in various religious activities safely and orderly. Cimahi Police Chief emphasized that this conduciveness must be maintained, especially ahead of the Pilkada. Mutual cooperation in overseeing the safe and orderly implementation of regional elections is the key to maintaining community harmony.
Chair of the West Aceh Independent Election Commission (KIP), Cici Darmayanti, emphasized that the public must avoid provoking SARA issues and hoaxes that quickly circulate on social media. He also reminded the public to be selective in receiving information from social media and not be influenced by false information (hoaxes).
The Pilkada stages must be used as momentum to build consolidation and harmonious coordination in order to realize democratic and integrity Pilkada.
Even though the new candidate registration period starts on August 27-29 2024, various candidates have already started to appear and prepare themselves. According to Cici Darmayanti, the more candidates who appear, the better it will be for the development of democracy in the region.
All candidates who come forward have the best vision and mission to develop the region. Therefore, we must learn to respect every difference and unite again in the spirit of diversity for a better West Aceh Regency.
Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan (Kalteng), Edy Pratowo, also reminded the public not to be influenced by hoaxes, provocations on social media to be alert to the spread of hoaxes and hate speech ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. According to him, one thing that needs to be watched out for in the democratic party is the spread of hoaxes and speech hatred smells like SARA. This can lead to polarization that divides the integrity of society.
Edy appealed to the public to exercise their right to vote in the simultaneous regional elections on November 27 2024. One vote can determine the future of development in Central Kalimantan for the next five years.
The mass media or press has a strategic role in preventing hoaxes and educating the public to always filter information before sharing it. The 2024 regional elections should be welcomed with joy, because through their implementation, the community can choose the best leaders for sustainable development.
Seeing the various efforts made by religious leaders, the police and local governments to prevent SARA provocations, we must be increasingly convinced that mutual cooperation is the key to maintaining peace and harmony ahead of the 2024 Pilkada.
Every small action from each individual in preventing SARA provocations will has a big impact on the success of democracy in this country. Let us work together to maintain conduciveness and respect each other’s differences, so that the regional elections can run safely and peacefully.
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute
