The weakness of a state is not only the government’s responsibility: Civil society must empower itself and increase unity in order to become the country's “sparring partner” so as to build mutually reinforcing ties
By
J Kristiadi
·5 minutes read
KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO
J. Kristiadi
A contemplative article on Idul Fitri by K.H. Robikin Emhas, executive chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama and Special Staffer to the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, is like an angel whispering a prophetic message. It reminds all believers to return to their origins as God's creatures who are pure, like sinless babies.
The prophetic whisper comes after practicing asceticism, refraining from worldly pleasures for a full month, emitting divine light that enlightens humans to be more sensitive, capable not only of distinguishing between good and bad, but also of differentiating between something less bad, somewhat bad and the worst.
The echoing sound from a serunai (trumpet) suggests that the faithful should involve or practice their religion and beliefs in their daily lives. Social piety is an integral part of the effort to realize noble intentions in line with their respective faiths. The deepest meaning is that there is no faith without involving competition in doing good for others. It is a liberating obligation because it is carried on a whisper from the heart, not by order from anyone.
Split and division
The spiritual message conveyed by K.H. Robikin Emhas also indicates the growing division as well as hate in society. Polarization with nuances of identity politics is like “fire in the chaff” that can easily ignite flames that could burn down civilization altogether. The government and civil society, especially the political elite, must take this message into account so that the pursuit of power does not justify any and all means.
The warnings, in a tone filled with concern about preserving our fitrah (fate as a sinless entity), also reveal that in order to celebrate victory against lust for bodily pleasures, one must be aware of various temptations, especially the lust for power. The backstory of this advice were the student demonstrations tainted by rioting and persecution that went far beyond the limits of humanity. Without civilization, humans are simply wolves fighting against one another.
The following is an excerpt from the contemplative Idul Fitri article by K.H. Robikin Emhas: “A series of text and video messages came through the WhatsApp messaging app on the evening of 11 April 2022, before the hour of the breaking of the fast. Tragically, the student demonstrations sparked riots and brutal persecution. Such events are like push notifications: the “fire in the chaff” is still burning! The beatings are no ordinary crime. There is hate behind it, the history of which can be traced quite clearly to several instances of political turmoil several years earlier (Kompas, 30/4/2022).”
It is very important to pay attention to and understand the prophetic message carrying the tone of concern, especially ahead of the approaching power rivalry, the 2024 general election. Uncertainty is very valid because the experience of the 2017 Jakarta regional elections (Pilkada) was a tragedy. The honored event (election) celebrating the sovereignty of the people was torn apart by identity politics that fuelled hate. A similar tragedy recurred during the 2019 presidential election.
Many people are worried that a similar tragedy will repeat itself at the 2024 elections. Moreover, the threat of populism and post-truth is still widespread and is being used as a main weapon by those who hunger for power. These two accursed schools of thought usually work alongside primordial sentiments to produce lies that turn logic into hatred, so that society is torn apart and polarization hardens.
Those who lust for power take advantage of the post-truth regime not only to have lies accepted as truth, but also to conceal their meaning so that it becomes difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
Political adventurers continue to produce lies and half-truths. As a result, supporters accept everything their idols say as absolute truth. When politics becomes highly polarized, populist figures define those with different views as dissent or defiance. Letting the flame of political lust or libido smolder makes way for social unrest to become a reality.
Political brawls are very explosive and further undermine democracy because the patterns and structures of post-reform power are backed by oligarchic forces and capital owners, and are penetrated by various cartel-like networks with interests ranging from the personal to a group’s and to the ideological. Although the Constitution asserts that the people hold the greatest sovereignty, this argument is just a paper tiger or a toothless lion.
Quelling the lust for power is not just a matter of electing a strong leader. A recipe such as this is merely a temporary solution and could lead the country to be trapped in a permanent emergency. Electing a leader needs careful examining of a candidate’s track record in terms of their character and competence, not in terms of their image brand and acrobatics, statements that bombard the public via social media.
In a healthy democracy, the weakness of a state is not only the government’s responsibility: Civil society must empower itself and increase unity in order to become the country's “sparring partner” so as to build mutually reinforcing ties.
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