2024 elections: Religious leaders call for social peace to be maintained

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Some two and a half months before the country goes to the polls on 14 February 2024, Indonesia's religious leaders, convened by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, have expressed concern over growing acrimony in the country, calling for a fair and peaceful election.

On Tuesday, from the cardinal's residence at the archdiocesan see in Jakarta, the heads of various religious organisations, gathered for what they called the Peaceful Indonesia Forum, issued a statement in which they addressed what they view to be some key issues in the upcoming election.

They stressed the importance of national unity that should be defended by all parties, the need to uphold the principles enshrined in Pancasila (Indonesia’s foundational principles), and the 1945 constitution.

Religious leaders also recommended that all candidates respect a free and fair electoral process, and that all misleading information be avoided.

"This forum was created in response to destructive social tensions that could endanger the unity of the Indonesian people," said Izzul Muslimin, spokesman for the group, which includes Christian Churches, Kong Hu Cu Matakin, Nusantara Spiritual, Buddhists, Hindus, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

Although presidential candidates have pledged their commitment to the rules of democracy, many in Indonesia fear that the parties' most ardent supporters may carry out violent actions.

In late November, a clash between two different groups of political supporters in Bitung, North Sulawesi province, resulted in the death of one person.

This is not news in Indonesia; back during the 2019 elections, violence broke out, which religious leaders say could jeopardise harmony in today’s Indonesian society.

By Mathias Hariyadi
Source: https://www.asianews.it/news-en