Muhammadiyah is calling for a more robust and ethical approach to democracy as the country gears up for its 2024 elections. In a public lecture (Pengajian Umum Muhammadiyah) on Friday (January 27), General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti outlined the movement’s stance on the upcoming polls, emphasizing the need for a substantive, dignified, and responsible exercise of democracy.
Mu’ti emphasized Muhammadiyah longstanding commitment to democracy and its concerns over a perceived decline in its quality in recent years. “We’ve seen worrying trends not just in Indonesia, but globally,” he noted. He urged all parties involved in the 2024 elections to prioritize upholding the constitution and conducting the process with morality and respect for the rule of law.
For Muhammadiyah, the 2024 elections aren’t just about choosing new leaders; they represent an opportunity to showcase a more dignified form of democracy. Mu’ti stressed the importance of ethical campaigning and avoiding tactics that undermine the democratic process. “Let’s not forget that these elections are a worldly affair, not a religious one,” he reminded, urging voters to approach the polls with a sense of responsibility and choose qualified leaders based on their merit, not partisan loyalties.
Mu’ti also offered practical guidance for making informed choices. He suggested employing methods like al-jahr wa ta’dil, a traditional Islamic approach to evaluating personal character, and Tarjih Muhammadiyah, a method for comparing and weighing different perspectives. Above all, he emphasized the need for maturity and discernment in exercising one’s democratic right. “Let’s respect those with different choices,” he concluded, calling for a united effort to make the 2024 elections a positive expression of Indonesian democracy.
Muhammadiyah intervention in the political discourse leading up to the 2024 elections reflects its longstanding commitment to shaping Indonesia’s social and political landscape. Its call for a more substantive and ethical approach to democracy resonates with concerns around the world about the state of democratic institutions and processes. As the countdown to the elections begins, Muhammadiyah’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible voter participation and the potential for democratic processes to serve as a positive force for progress and good governance.
