Scholars believe that identity politics has become stronger and more prevalent since the 2019 elections. Society is easily divided. This is inextricably linked to vested interests, one of which is the spread of radical ideologies that contradict Pancasila.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Scholars believe that identity politics has grown stronger and more prevalent since the April 17, 2019, elections. Society is easily divided. This is inextricably linked to vested interests, one of which is the spread of radical ideologies that contradict Pancasila.

This issue was the focus of a discussion at the University of Indonesia Alumni Cross-Faculty Coordination Forum (FOKAL UI) in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. The discussion arose out of intellectuals’ concerns about the nation’s current situation.

“Identity politics is thriving. It’s portrayed on social media as a civil war. People are speaking harshly and harshly to each other. Identity politics is also taking hold at the grassroots level, and it’s very worrying. Indonesia’s diversity is being eroded by groups that are clearly anti-Pancasila, yet they say they are not. This problem cannot be allowed to continue,” said Pande K Trimayuni, Chair of FOKAL UI.

This concern is also reflected in surveys conducted by several institutions. According to data from the Alvara Research Center, 17.8 percent of university students and 18.4 percent of high school students agree with the caliphate as the ideal form of government. Meanwhile, 16.8 percent of university students and 18.6 percent of high school students agree with Islam as Indonesia’s ideology.

INTOLERANT OPINION

Research by the Center for Islamic and Social Studies at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (PPIM UIN) Jakarta found that 51 percent of Muslim students hold intolerant views toward minority Islamic sects, such as Shia and Ahmadiyah. Meanwhile, 58.5 percent of Muslim students hold radical religious views.

In a 2018 BNPT survey of 11,200 schoolchildren and university students in 32 provinces, 77.73 percent of respondents engaged in religious activities. Of that percentage, only 25.82 percent studied religion directly with teachers or key figures, while 61.23 percent sought religious knowledge through social media.

“They (radical groups) work every day. They work through religious studies, mosques, communities, and other activities,” he said.

Furthermore, massive and systematic training is being carried out, starting from the smallest community level, namely the family. This movement also targets the middle and upper economic classes.

Pande explained that to counter this ideology, we must begin by developing communities, including farmers, fishermen, Islamic boarding schools, and others. Furthermore, educating and nurturing children from an early age is crucial to protecting them from radical influences. This requires the involvement of all stakeholders and consistency to achieve this.

SYMPOSIUM

This discussion is part of the UI Alumni National Symposium, which will be held on May 10-11 at the UI campus in Salemba, Jakarta. Prior to the symposium, several discussions will be held to explore the issues raised in depth.

These issues include human resource development, gender equality, and community empowerment. They also include the instilling of Pancasila ideology, national identity, and culture. They also focus on the people’s economy, food security, and environmental preservation.

Other issues include education, research and technology, and health. They also include good governance, law enforcement, defense and security, and global cooperation.

Secretary General of FOKAL UI, Sigid Edi Sutomo, explained that the results of the symposium will provide input for the government in making policies for the next five years.

“Over the next five years, the government will focus on developing human resources. Education funding already accounts for 20 percent, which is a significant amount. The funds must be utilized wisely, as this represents progress and a significant leap forward. However, we must ensure equitable quality,” he said.

source https://www.kompas.id/artikel/politik-identitas-tumbuh-subur-menyebarkan-paham-radikal/amp