REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Entering the 2024 political year, the biggest challenge lies not only in competition between candidates or political parties, but also in the potential polarization of society. Exclusive and provocative narratives can trigger divisions among Indonesia's diverse society.

Discussing the potential for polarization and horizontal segregation in society ahead of the 2024 elections, UIN Professor Alauddin Makassar, Prof. Muh Irfan Idris stressed the importance of exerting a counter-narrative against the threat of intolerance laden with political interests.

“Just like dealing with the crashing waves, we can feel the increasing urgency to publish inclusive and moderate narratives because the wave of elections is already in sight,” Irfan said on Wednesday (31/1/2024).

According to him, in the current era of globalization and information, there are no longer restrictions on space and time, especially in cyberspace. Therefore, inclusive narratives are needed to engage all walks of life, without questioning specific backgrounds or groups.

Irfan explained the importance of spreading positive narratives becoming increasingly real in a political year. He added that the impact of counter-narratives that so far have organically come from various figures, proved to be able to create narratives that enlighten society and fit with Pancasila's ideology.

“Even so, I recognize that there are still groups that seek to replace the ideology of the state with the concept of the caliphate. What radical groups rarely understand is that Indonesia has implemented Islamic sharia, although it has not formalized it,” Irfan said.

Irfan said that a crucial point in trying to maintain harmony is always to provide a counter-narrative to the propaganda of radical groups. He reminded that the intolerant narrative often instills doubts about Pancasila as the ideology of the nation.

It should be understood that the comparison between Pancasila and scripture is an imprecise comparison, given that Indonesia recognizes six religions that have their own respective scriptures. According to him, this is not a relevant comparison.

“The comparison between Pancasila and scripture is one form of instilling doubt in society. Scripture is certainly not a suitable comparison to Pancasila, nor is it the other way around. If you want to compare Pancasila, which is the fruit of the mind of man, then compare Pancasila with the ideology of other countries that are also born as human products,” Irfan said.

In the context of counter-radicalization, Irfan emphasized the role of Law Number 5 of 2018 on Countering Terrorism, specifically Article 43, which deals on national preparedness, counter-radicalization, and deradicalization. The counter-narrative became an important strategy in the application of counter-radicalization, with a focus on community enlightenment, the equalization of inclusive narratives, and the reinvigoration of peaceful narratives.

Regarding his views on polarization in the political contest of the 2024 elections, Irfan mentioned to remain vigilant when using social media. Today, social media is like being home to its users. Therefore, users of social media should be wise in determining what loads can be anchored on their profile page.

“We should all be aware that radical and extreme groups are always trying to create polarization in society. Indonesia's strength lies in maintaining differences, and existing differences are not something that should be opposed or perceived as hostility,” BNPT's Director of Prevention said.

He reveals, preventing narratives of divisiveness and polarization from becoming a shared task. To that end, he stressed the importance of straightening out the information, explaining the merits of each presidential candidate, decried simply looking for the vices of the opposing candidates.

This is intended so that any supporter of any presidential candidate is not easily provoked. The ulama and umara (Government) obviously have an important role in contesting the elections so it is necessary to maintain their neutrality. Both sides have been exemplary in providing support and giving fair assessments of all candidates.

Irfan explained that BNPT through its Prevention Directorate has implemented various programs to create a peaceful society. By building massive communication and counter-propaganda on various sides, the Prevention Directorate sought to disseminate a peaceful narrative and engage all components of the nation in building unity.

He advised the younger generation to stay away from provocative narratives, and to engage in dialogue with different walks of life.

In addition, in the midst of efforts to maintain harmony, it continues to involve itself in producing a peaceful narrative that plays a role in keeping society from polarized, and reducing the impact of intolerant radical notions.

“With the various efforts made by BNPT, including counter-narratives of intolerance, it is hoped that Indonesians can face political contestation wisely, maintain harmony, and knit unity amid differences. Peaceful Election 2024 is not only the responsibility of the Government and related institutions, but also all elements of society to jointly build a strong and peaceful nation,” Irfan Idris said.

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