JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The recent social fragmentation occurring in Indonesia should serve as a reminder of the spirit of unity that was the foundation for creating our nation. Indonesia was founded on the will to live together harmoniously as a diverse nation.
Speaking in Jakarta on Monday (15/5), National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) governor Agus Widjojo called on Indonesians to return to the fundamental consensus that people could live in tolerance despite their differences. That consensus came in the form of the Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and our ideology Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
“My question is simple: Do we still agree to live in this country, in the same place with different people under the Pancasila? If yes, let’s discuss where we are still lacking, as long as we don’t stray from the 1945 accord,” he said.
Agus said that by understanding the national consensus adopted by Indonesia’s founding fathers after uniting this diverse nation, every debate could be settled peacefully. All sides must have the same expectations.
Our understanding of the accord remains relevant, especially amid the recent polemic against the Jakarta gubernatorial election and the legal case of non-active Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
The broad impact of the divisiveness of recent events is reflected by the National Resilience Index conducted by Lemhannas’ National Resilience Measurement Laboratory.
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning our resilience is most vulnerable, Indonesia’s 2016 National Resilience Index stood at 2.6 — an improvement from 2015’s 2.55 measurement and 2.43 in 2010.
However, the nation’s ideological resilience has declined gradually since 2010. In 2016, ideological resilience was measured at 2.06, while in 2010, it stood at 2.31.
Ideological resilience is measured through eight variables, including tolerance, equality before the law, equal rights, social solidarity and national unity.
A decline was also seen in Indonesia’s political resilience, which includes the executive, legislative and judicial branches. In 2010, political resilience was at 2.57, and in 2016, it stood at 2.43 (Kompas, 16/12/2016).
Pandora’s box
According to Gus Durian Network coordinator Alissa Wahid the recent fragmentation of Indonesian society was alarming.
However, the condition was not a sudden and instant occurrence; segregation has escalated over the past 15 years with the growth of religious violence and intolerance. At the same time, Indonesia lacked a strong enough bond to overcome barriers in society.
The Jakarta gubernatorial election and the blasphemy case against Ahok, Alissa said, acted as a Pandora’s Box for issues that have been swept under the rug.
“[Indonesia’s] social divide used to be unseen. But, now everyone can see it,” she added.
“Imagine if the same fragmentation occurs in other regions during the regional elections in 2018. It would be dangerous,” she said.
Therefore, such social fragmentation should be settled by the state through strict and non-compromising leadership.
Three issues
According to Alissa, the state must take three steps.
First, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo must facilitate a reconciliation among the fragmented sides by reminding them of Indonesia’s national principles, which is the Pancasila.
“There must be clear statement on what are the values of our nation and what are not. Any ideas that do not fit with the Constitution must not be allowed. Communication with all sides must be established. However, the state must take a firm stance in accordance with the Constitution and [Indonesia’s] principle values,” Alissa added.
Second, the state must call on all sides to respect the law.
Third, law enforcers must take action against those spreading hate speech through various media platforms.
Mochtar Pabottingi from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences expected Jokowi to act as the President of all Indonesians.
“I think President Joko Widodo is wise now. Please act as the president of the people. Do not be partisan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mochtar said it was time for the people to remain rational by not attacking each other.
“Please remember the nationhood over all groups,” he said, adding that nationhood was precious to Indonesia.
Indonesia’s nationhood is based on diversity and the Pancasila to unite the people.
Creative worker Yoris Sebastian Nisiho looks at the current situation as a bitter pill for a better democracy. The bitter pill taking the form of citizens who become emotional after receiving fake news and information.
“Not only the young people, even the educated ones still got provoked by fake news,” he said.
However, at the same time, the recent political dynamic serves as a lesson for the nation. Despite recent rallies and Ahok’s legal battle, the Jakarta gubernatorial election generally ran peacefully.
Now, to deal with similar occurrences and considering that citizens become trapped in hostility when facing different opinions, Indonesia needs a lesson in politics.
“In fact, debate is not hostility; debate is argumentation. If needed, students must practice debates at schools so that people can convey their ideas and arguments,” he said.
The Golkar Party’s board of expert chairman Agung Laksono said political parties must serve as the fort of national unity, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila.
Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto said recent vigils protesting the 2-year jail sentence for Ahok – either at home or abroad – have been more than enough. He called on all Indonesians to trust the government to solve the nation’s problems.