Religious Figures Urge the Public to Maintain Wisdom and Respect Election Dispute Hearings at the Constitutional Court
General elections are often crucial moments in the life of a democratic country. However, with democracy comes the responsibility to maintain order and respect the democratic process. At every stage of the election, both before and after, religious figures have an important role in guiding the community to act wisely and maintain peace. One moment that requires special attention is the election dispute trial at the Constitutional Court (MK).
Currently, all parties are faced with a situation where the ranks of Constitutional Court (MK) judges handling the dispute over the results of the general election (PHPU) for the Presidential Election have not yet made a decision to summon a number of cabinet ministers in President Jokowi’s government to give testimony.
Facing the election dispute trial, many religious figures have spoken out firmly, reminding the public of the importance of upholding the principles of justice, law and peace. They emphasized that in a democratic system, dispute resolution must be carried out through existing legal processes, not through acts of violence or street riots.
A number of religious figures who expressed their views were members of the Peaceful Indonesia Care Forum who delivered messages after the announcement of the results of the national vote recapitulation for the 2024 Election by the General Election Commission (KPU). Relevant parties are expected to respond wisely and tactfully to the results of the vote recapitulation.
Deputy General Chairperson of the MUI, KH Marsudi Syuhud, said that the results of the 2024 Election vote recapitulation must be viewed with grace and compassion. In this way, the world will shine with peace, be filled with joy, pleasure and have pleasant conditions. If anyone has not received the results, they are expected to resolve this through the Constitutional Court (MK).
The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Confucian High Council, Xueshi Budi Tanuwibowo, said the same thing. According to him, parties who cannot accept these results can take steps in accordance with the constitutional corridors. Apart from that, these steps are also carried out with a cool head and a calm heart so that all Indonesian people can gain peace.
The General Chairperson of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), Majyen TNI (Ret.) Wisnu Bawa Tanaya, said he expressed his appreciation for all elements of the nation who have participated in the 2024 Election. Including community groups who oversee the democratic process, correct any untruths found, this all provides hope for the nation’s future journey.
Chairman of the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Permabudhi), Judha Hartono, added that whoever is elected can maintain and implement Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Republic of Indonesia and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. He appealed to the results of the announcement of the vote recapitulation by the KPU to be responded to with mutual respect and respect.
Azisoko Harmoko from the Secretariat of the Peaceful Indonesia Care Forum called for national reconciliation. He also invited all parties to continue to oversee this process in a safe, peaceful, orderly manner and with high regard for fellow nations.
PGI General Secretary Jacky Manuputty said that the democratic process is not as easy as turning the palm of your hand. According to him, the democratic process is essentially about learning. Therefore, if in this democratic process there are shortcomings and possibly violations, and are considered constitutional violations, then this must be a lesson learned.
Deputy Secretary General of PBNU, KH. Imam Pituduh said that religious leaders and their followers are expected to lead lives that do not deviate from moral and ethical values. This must also be accompanied by religious values to show a moral life.
More than just appealing, the role of religious leaders is of course also to be actively involved in mediation and reconciliation efforts between disputing parties. They facilitate dialogue between political leaders and civil society to find peaceful solutions to existing differences. This approach is critical to preventing conflict escalation and building trust between all parties.
However, challenges remain. Sometimes, emotions and political tensions can influence people’s behavior. Therefore, the role of religious figures is not only limited to making statements, but also building a deep understanding of the importance of peace and respect for the law.
Apart from that, education and spiritual formation are also an important part of efforts to maintain peace in a political context. Religious figures have a large role in forming character and values that encourage respect for democratic processes and respect for the decisions of legal institutions.
In the context of globalization and the digital era, messages from religious figures can also reach more people through various social media platforms and other modern communication technologies. This allows messages of peace and tolerance to reach the wider community, both at local and national levels.
In conclusion, the role of religious figures in leading with wisdom in dealing with election dispute trials at the Constitutional Court cannot be ignored. They have a great influence in shaping people’s attitudes and behavior, and in helping to build and maintain peace and stability in society. With wise and caring leadership, they are able to become the glue that binds various elements of society in a spirit of unity and harmony.