We strongly reject and oppose the use of identity politics and the politicization and commodification of religions in practical politics, particularly to win the 2024 general elections.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The council of religions in Indonesia has agreed to reject the use of identity politics and the politicization and commodification of religions during the 2024 general elections.
The council declared its stance during a national religious colloquium held here on Wednesday. The meeting brought together representatives of the Indonesian Hindu Association, the Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia, the Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi), the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), and the Religious Affairs Ministry.
“We strongly reject and oppose the use of identity politics and the politicization and commodification of religions in practical politics, particularly to win the 2024 general elections,” MUI secretary general Amirsyah Tambunan said in his address.
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The council of religions has called for efforts to win the general elections in a dignified way by upholding noble ethics, maintaining peace, and strengthening national unity and cohesion, he added.
The council of religions has also urged the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the General Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) to organize and supervise the general elections fairly, honestly, transparently, and constitutionally by prioritizing the Indonesian nation’s interests.
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“We call on all political parties as electoral contestants to participate in the elections reasonably by having noble ethics, complying with the Constitution and laws, and prioritizing the Indonesian nation’s interests,” he said.
The council has also urged the adherents of faiths to fully participate in exercising their rights and obligations during the elections, in accordance with the spirit of unity, cohesion, mutual help, and peace in pursuit of a socially just democracy in Indonesia.
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