Religion in political power: a philosophical study on the role of religion in the 2019 elections

Abstract

In the sixteenth century, European countries were divided due to conflicts between Catholics and Protestants regarding which religion should govern. The conflict between them ultimately concluded not by granting special rights to a particular religion, but rather by separating the church from the state and strengthening the freedom of religion for everyone. This decision had the consequence of enhancing cross-border human solidarity beyond the barriers of religion, culture, economy, race, gender, and various other divides. The history of Indonesia is marked by dynamics somewhat similar, especially when examining efforts to find the philosophical foundation of the Indonesian nation. The inner atmosphere during the session of the Investigating Body for Preparatory Work for Independence/Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (BPUPK/PPKI) reflects well how the strong and argumentative discourse of the founding fathers led to the agreement to choose Pancasila as the shared philosophy. The founding fathers chose an ideal path for Indonesia by making Pancasila the philosophy, ideology, and foundation of the Indonesian state. Pancasila became the noble covenant of this nation, where within it, all diversity (pluralism) and heterogeneity of this nation are united but not standardized. Religion is one of the diversities and diversities of the Indonesian nation. There are six religions and various belief systems that coexist in Indonesia. In the 2019 general elections, the colors of support left certain traces that are worth reflecting on. From the vote counts of the General Election Commission, this support factor is visibly apparent. Provinces like Aceh and Bali, for example, can serve as references to observe these patterns of support. This is certainly something legitimate in the realm of democracy. However, when we look at various news and sentiments that emerged during the campaign, it is clear that religion was dragged into this practical political arena. This undoubtedly becomes an important reflection for the Indonesian nation in facing the dynamics of religious intertwining with politics.