Learning from the Past

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

The Muhammadiyah Central Board together with the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board explained to journalists regarding their meeting at the PBNU office, Jakarta, Thursday (25/5/2023). The meeting of the two leaders of the largest Islamic mass organization in the country encouraged political elites to prioritize moral leadership in the 2024 election contestation.

The two largest religious organizations in the country met in Jakarta on Thursday (25/5/2023). Both Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah called on the people to ensure peaceful elections.

As reported by this daily, the chairman of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, and the chairman of NU, Yahya Cholil Staquf, met at the PBNU Office, Central Jakarta. Appearing together with the board members of the two largest religious organizations in the country, they called on the political elite to ensure the 2024 elections run peacefully and with dignity. Elections are not only an arena for power struggles, but also a competition of ideas and visions for the advancement of this nation.

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> NU and Muhammadiyah Call for Peaceful Elections

> Politics of Ideas

The appeal was issued ahead of the registration of the presidential/vice-presidential candidate pairs. Meanwhile, the political parties participating in the election, and the nominated candidates for legislative members, as well as candidates for members of the Regional Representatives Council, have been in the process of competing in the elections. The presidential/vice-presidential election has the potential to divide the Indonesian people.

In at least the presidential elections, in 2014 and 2019, and a number of direct regional head elections (pilkada), conflicts that led to the division of society occurred. In fact, until now there is still fragmentation in society due to differences in political choices. Expression like kampret, cebong, kadrun and various hate speeches are scattered in public areas, especially on social media.

In the past, conflicts also occurred in legislative elections, especially during the campaign period. Such an incident sometimes claimed lives. In fact, those who are fighting in the elections, after the democratic feast ends, can work together hand in hand. The 2019 election results taught the public of this country to be rational in supporting and voting during elections. The pair Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga S Uno became members of the Cabinet of the President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo-Vice President Ma'ruf Amin government, which won the election.

The call by NU and Muhammadiyah, as well as a number of other social organizations, for the 2024 elections to be held peacefully is a reminder to all of us. Elections are constitutional competitions, democratic parties, which should make the people happy. Whoever is elected is a leader and part of this nation, which will give prosperity to the people.

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> Doomsday of Identity Politics

Dr. GP Sindhunata in his book Anak Bajang Menggiring Angin (Bajang Child Herding the Wind, Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 2018), which has its background as The Ramayana, reminds readers of the futility of supporters of "contestants" in the struggle for power. Monkey children and children of a giant monster play together, have fun together and do not care about their parents, who fight each other because they support and carry out the lord's orders.

"The children of monkeys and children of monsters feel happy and at peace. And, they think of nothing but rejoicing. Their joy seemed to mock the stories and history their parents experienced, but it turned out to be just a dream that ended in vain.”

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.