Maintaining People’s Solidarity

In the midst of the strong pull of individualism, primordialism, or sectarianism, there is an increasing challenge to maintain solidarity in Indonesia.

KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA

Residents from several sub-districts in Bima, Thursday (8/4/2021) delivered aid by motorbike to Monta District, which was hit by flash floods, Thursday (8/4/2021). Solidarity grows to help people who are grieving in disaster situations.

The country has faced several disasters in the past year, from pandemics to earthquakes. The difficult situation, however, has not quenched the people’s solidarity.

Social solidarity has grown and spread to all corners of the country. When flash floods hit Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, last week, people from many unaffected areas immediately volunteered to send aid, even though they had to travel tens of kilometers on motorcycles. Many people from various groups also raised funds for assistance.

Also read: ”Kalembo Ade” Our Brothers in Bima!

Solidarity was also evident on Adonara Island, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, which was also hit by flash floods. Regardless of the gap between the rich and the poor, as well as the differences in religions and beliefs, people worked hand in hand to overcome the disaster.

Kompas photographer captured two women wearing a veil, one Catholic nun and Muslim women wearing hijabs, holding hands, strengthening each other, as they prayed at a mass grave of 37 victims of the flash flood. The photo teaches many values. A similar phenomenon was also seen in Lumajang, East Java, which was the worst-affected area hit by the earthquake on Saturday (10/4/2021).

Also read: Solidarity without Barriers When Adonara in Mourning

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

A woman accompanies the nun to visit the graves of victims of flash floods in Nelelamadike Village, Ile Boleng District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday (6/4/2021).

The solidarity that was created between residents who were visually different showed how strong their bond was. Solidarity was built because of a shared fate. This mutual bond, according to Emil Durkheim, also occurred as it is supported by moral values and beliefs in society. The spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is a deeply rooted moral value and has been passed down from generation to generation.

The spirit of solidarity certainly needs to be nurtured. Solidarity, which continues to develop, will eventually lead to emotional experiences and strengthen the bond between the people of the nation. Social solidarity has even become a bond that holds nations together, according to Ernest Renan.

Also read: Tough Challenges to Access Adonara Island

Such a spirit should not be neglected and left to die. Prejudice, hatred and racism are poisonous to growing social solidarity. Psychologist Gordon Allport warns that a lack of contact can cause prejudice, hatred and racism. Without close contact, people tend to over-generalize other people. On the other hand, close contact will also allow those who are different to understand and protect each other.

Amid the strong drive of individualism, primordialism as well as sectarianism, there is an ever greater challenge for Mother Earth to continue to maintain solidarity. We need to continue to voice the country motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). The nation, though diverse in races, ethnic groups, religions and beliefs, is in fact one.

This article was translated by Camilia Adianti.