Simultaneous general elections 2024. ANTARA/HO-Abdullah Rifai.

JAKARTA, lightning.com- Islamic political observer Yon Machmudi reminded that identity politics must be handled properly so as not to hamper the pace of democratic growth in Indonesia.

In a press release from the Association of Indonesian Students in Canada (Permika) received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday, Yon Machmudi recalled that identity politics is not always negative or destructive.

“Identity politics is one of the realities that exists in Indonesia, the existence of which cannot be denied by anyone,” Yon said during a discussion organized by Permika in Montreal, Canada, on the theme “Competition of identity politics in Indonesia; between opportunity and challenge”.

Therefore, Yon Machmudi PhD, who is also head of the Middle East graduate program at the University of Indonesia (UI), said that identity politics must be managed properly, so that it does not not hamper the pace of growth of democracy in Indonesia.

However, he regrets that the identity politics that has unfolded in Indonesia so far tends to cross borders and be used as a tool for practical political interests so that democratic values ​​are detached.

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In fact, according to Yon, since birth human has had an identity. The identity then continues to grow and come together as one, then to form a new, stronger and larger identity.

“Identity is a sign of diversity, so diverse identities should be managed and not monopolized by certain parties,” Yon said during the discussion attended by Indonesian students in Canada.

Yon reiterated again that identity politics must be used in the appropriate and positive space and context.

“It’s time for politics in Indonesia to be geared towards genuine democratic goals, not the other way around manipulating democracy to reap political benefits for groups,” said Yon, who is also the Initiative’s executive director. of Indonesian moderation.

Therefore, he said, to maintain a favorable political space in Indonesia, political moderation efforts are necessary.

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Dominant and hegemonic politics, he continued, is a portrait of politics that is not good and unhealthy. Political protest must always be dynamic and balanced for a political order to emerge.

Meanwhile, Yon said, to create a political order requires sufficient knowledge or political culture for the Indonesian people.

“Political insight (political literacy) is key to the dynamics of politics in Indonesia, so people cannot easily use their voice to support certain groups,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Permika President Livia Jonnatan said this hybrid discussion (online and offline) is very important to increase the political insight of Indonesian students, especially those studying in Canada.

“This discussion can also be a bridge of knowledge, especially for students who are not involved in politics. This discussion can improve the political culture of young people, especially before the general elections of 2024,” he said. declared.

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