REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- A researcher on political issues from Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Syamsudin Haris, said religion issues and politics of identity might escalate during the simultaneous regional election 2018. The authorities are hoped to give political education to the society.  

"The use of religion issues and politics of identity might escalate during simultaneous regional election 2018. It will continue to simultaneous general election 2019," said Haris in his office, Jakarta, on Wednesday (May 3).   

Haris said it was an impact of Jakarta gubernatorial election. Religion issues and politics of identity were commonly used during the election. It caused a polarization of supporters based on religion and identity. 

"The strong impact of Jakarta gubernatorial election may influence the condition of regional election in other regions and may continued until 2019," he said. 

To establish the balance, Haris said that the government and the authorities could optimize the political education to the society. The voters preferences would not only focused on candidates' identity background, but also their programs. 

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