Religious Leaders Play an Important Role in Reducing Political Tensions During the 2024 Election

As a democratic country, Indonesia is entering a new phase with preparations for the 2024 General Election. However, in an atmosphere full of challenges and political dynamics, the Chairman of the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), Rahmat Bagja, highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in reducing political tension and ensuring that the election runs smoothly. peaceful and conducive.

Bagja emphasized the urgency of the role of religious leaders at the Indonesian Church Bishops’ Conference (KWI) which was held in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/11/2023). In this forum, Bagja expressed his hope for religious leaders to actively contribute to calming society.

Chairman of the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), Rahmat Bagja, wants religious leaders to participate in supporting Bawaslu in maintaining public calm. Furthermore, Bagja emphasized the importance of their role in reducing tensions and providing understanding to the public regarding potential problems, such as money politics, the politicization of SARA, and other sensitive issues.

According to Bagja, religious leaders have a strategic role not only in reducing political tensions, but also in providing understanding to the community. In the context of the 2024 elections, religious leaders can be mediators who help people understand the essence of democracy and their responsibilities as citizens.

Religious leaders are also invited to be part of the 2024 General Election and Election celebrations. Bagja hopes that religious leaders will continue to synergize with the General Election Commission (KPU) and Bawaslu, helping to maintain the integrity of the process of implementing democracy in Indonesia.

In the interview, Bagja noted a number of evaluations from the election and previous elections. Some issues include inaccurate voter data (DPT), money politics practices, and the issue of neutrality of the state civil servants (ASN), Indonesian National Army (TNI), and Indonesian National Police (Polri). Bagja also highlighted several problems, such as the lack of neutrality of village heads, village officials, the use of other people’s voting rights, campaigns in places of worship and educational institutions.

Bagja added other notes which included the increasing spread of false information and politicization of SARA issues, scarcity of ballot papers, campaigns carried out outside the specified schedule, as well as problems related to security and order. This statement reflects Bagja’s understanding of the complexity of the challenges faced in managing the general election process.

Responding to this, the Madiun District Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) took part in organizing existence activities. Madiun Resort Police Chief, AKBP Anton Prasetyo, through Nglames Police Chief, AKP Agus Priyanto, explained that this activity was carried out on Tuesday, November 7 2023, at the hall of the Madiun District office. harmony and unity.

Rohman emphasized the need to maintain harmony and unity among religious communities, by prioritizing the values ​​of tolerance despite differences in views in the 2024 General Election. This statement shows Rohman’s emphasis on universal principles of unity and tolerance as an essential foundation in facing the democratic process.

Rohman also appealed to the public not to be easily provoked by hoax news on social media. Instead, he invited the public to check the truth of the news with the authorities. This is a concrete effort to maintain correct information and minimize potential conflicts that could arise due to the spread of inaccurate information.

In facing the challenges of the 2024 Election, cooperation between election monitoring institutions, religious leaders and religious community organizations is the main key to creating a conducive atmosphere. The invitation to the public not to be provoked by hoaxes and to play an active role in maintaining unity must continue to be voiced by all relevant parties.

Only with solid collaboration can Indonesia achieve success in implementing a fair and high-quality democratic process. Involving religious leaders as the vanguard of peace is not just the task of Bawaslu or election monitoring institutions alone, but is a shared responsibility to maintain the foundations of a just and peaceful democratic life.

Through the role of religious leaders, it is hoped that society can understand the essence of democracy, namely the rights and obligations as citizens who play an active role in determining the future of the nation. The 2024 election is not only a democratic party, but also a stage to prove that Indonesia is capable of holding quality, fair and peaceful elections.

In achieving this success, religious leaders, election monitoring institutions and the community must work together. The election is not a moment to sharpen differences, but a momentum to strengthen unity and integrity. With a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, the 2024 Election can be a milestone for Indonesia in building a better future.

As part of society, every individual has a responsibility to support the 2024 elections wisely. Avoiding provocation, seeking information from trusted sources, and actively participating in the democratic process are concrete steps that every citizen can take.

With high hopes and strong determination, the 2024 elections can be an example for other countries in carrying out elections that are democratic, transparent and have a positive impact on the nation’s progress. The key to success lies in the synergy between religious leaders, election monitoring institutions and the community who are committed to maintaining the integrity of the country and building a better future.