Indonesian Minister of Religion and Bawaslu Discuss Efforts to Prevent Identity Politics on 2024 Elections

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Indonesian Ministry of Religion and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) joined hands together to prevent identity politics and SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup) Politics in the 2024 election.

"Indeed, we need a joint agreement on dealing with the politicization of identity, or the politicization of SARA. This is what Bawaslu has tried in several meetings to discuss this," said Bawaslu chairman Rahmat Bagja after meeting Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas at the Ministry of Religion headquarters, Jakarta, Friday, December 16, 2022.

In the meeting, the two of them discussed efforts to prevent the practice of identity politics ahead of the political year.

Also Read: Ministry of Religion Warns Parties Not to Use Mosques as Venues for Political Campaigns

Yaqut or who is familiarly called Gus Men appreciates Bawaslu's efforts in dealing with the politicization of identity or the politicization of SARA.

"I am happy if many parties are involved in handling this substantive issue. Frankly, this work is not easy. Protecting this republic is not easy, many must be involved," said Gus Men.

The discussion lasted for about 30 minutes with warm tea. Also present, was the Special Staff of the Minister of Religion, Adung Abdul Rochman.

Also Read: Kaesang Pangarep Expresses Interest In Politics, Aiming For Indonesia's Presidential Chair?

During the meeting, it was also discussed about the prohibition of campaigning in places of worship and places of education. This rule is contained in Article 280 letter h of Law 7/2017 concerning Elections.

According to JPNN, the meeting also discussed Anies Baswedan's socialization activities at mosques in Aceh Province which led to campaign activities.

"Regarding the activities, what was said earlier regarding Mr. Anies' report, we can only appeal (not to use the mosque), because no candidate pair has been determined yet," said the Bawaslu Legal and Dispute Resolution Division, Totok Hariyono in a press release, Saturday.

Also Read: Indonesian Ministry of Religion Urges People to Avoid Using SARA Issues in Product Promotion

Totok said that currently there was no determination of a presidential candidate for 2024, but the ban on campaigning in places of worship, including the mosque, remains in place.

Get news on Indonesia today from JakartaDaily.id on Google News