MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammad Izzul Muslimin, the Secretary of Muhammadiyah, joined hands with interfaith leaders to issue a joint call for timely, secure, peaceful, honest, fair, free, confidential, transparent, and dignified general elections.
“We hope that all elements of society collectively ensure that these elections are conducted fairly and transparently, as the election results will only bring benefits if the principles of fairness and transparency are adhered to. Violations could lead to disharmony, and that is something we hope to avoid,” expressed Izzul at the Forum for Caring for Peace in Indonesia (FPID) at the Jakarta Cathedral on Wednesday (6/12), in anticipation of the upcoming simultaneous elections scheduled for February 14, 2024.
Izzul underscored that this collective call is not solely aimed at election organizers, participants, and facilitators but extends to all Indonesians. The objective is to encourage everyone to contribute to safeguarding and overseeing the 2024 elections.
“If the public remains vigilant, election organizers and participants won’t be able to take advantage. However, if the public becomes permissive and succumbs to money politics, it will impact the fairness and transparency of the elections,” said Izzul.
The Forum for Caring for Peace in Indonesia, collectively represented by individuals from various faiths, articulates nine points, with each point presented by alternating representatives from different religious backgrounds:
- Muslims: Izzul Muslimin and K.H. Marsyudi Syuhud
- Christians: Rev. Gomar Gultom
- Catholics: Cardinal Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo
- Confucians: Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo
- Buddhists: Prof. Philip K. Wijaya
- Hindus: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Wisnu Bawa Tenaya
- Community of Belief: Sri Eko Sriyanto Galgendu
The nine points include:
- Upholding the unity and integrity of Indonesia, prioritizing national interests above groups/factions and political party interests.
- Reinforcing the national consensus of Indonesia based on Pancasila, Unity in Diversity, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and the 1945 Constitution in all aspects of societal, national, and state life.
- Urging the organization of general elections to be timely, safe, peaceful, honest, fair, free, confidential, transparent, and dignified, as well as urging the realization of the neutrality of election organizers, state apparatus, government apparatus, and village/urban apparatus in conducting the presidential/vice presidential election and legislative election.
- Safeguarding and realizing social stability, political stability, and national security, as well as stopping, preventing, and avoiding various divisive efforts, the spread of false news (hoaxes) that could potentially divide the nation, and stopping activities and scenarios of social conflict and political conflict that could lead to destructive and chaotic situations.
- Building national preparedness to anticipate various political turbulence and threats, challenges, disturbances, and security obstacles that are dangerous and detrimental to national interests.
- Urging the restoration of justice for the people, cleansing law enforcement institutions from corruption, collusion, and nepotism, and conducting oversight of various law enforcement efforts, following legal mandates and the people’s conscience.
- Encouraging the realization of “national reconciliation” and camaraderie among the nation’s leaders, saving the nation’s life, promoting ethical, democratic life, and striving for social justice for the entire Indonesian nation.
- Calling on all citizens to ignite prayers and mobilize the power of spiritual warfare for the safety of the nation and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
- Inviting all religious leaders, community leaders, and traditional leaders throughout Indonesia to close ranks, strengthen, and reaffirm social and national solidarity as part of the peaceful Indonesia movement at all levels comprehensively and sustainably.
“Whether we like it or not, these elections should be successful, and that success is expected to bring further advancement to this nation,” said Izzul.
“Hopefully, what we are calling for will capture everyone’s attention and come to fruition,” said Izzul.
