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Peace and unity, not identity politics, as ‘core’ Ramadan principles
As Indonesians welcomed the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, messages of peace and unity were put front and center, geared toward inspiring tolerance ahead of next year’s general elections.
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Muslims perform their first tarawih (Ramadan evening prayers) at 99 Kubah mosque in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on March 22. (Antara/Arnas Padda)
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s Indonesians welcomed the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, messages of peace and unity were put front and center, with some religious organizations noting that this “momentum” should inspire tolerance among identity groups ahead of next year’s general elections.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on the eve of Ramadan took to social media to welcome the Islamic calendar month, describing it as one “of grace, rewards and forgiveness”.
Vice President and former Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Ma’ruf Amin added a reminder that Ramadan calls for more than just fasting.
“[This month] should be a moment for us to improve our mentality, especially with regards to self-control,” wrote Ma’ruf on his official Twitter account.
Host of the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia will see over 220 million of its citizens celebrating Ramadan, marking the start of a religious fasting ritual that ends each day with the evening iftar and shorter work hours for civil servants.
Being only months away from the start of the campaign season for the 2024 general elections, many officials have expressed their wishes that this year’s Ramadan be a reminder of unity and tolerance among the diverse peoples of Indonesia.
Read also: Religious leaders reject politicization of religion in 2024 electionsPast elections have seen identity politics used widely during campaigns, with many crossovers between politics and religion that generated polarized and divisive labels. In 2019, various mass organizations including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and 212 Rally Alumni staged protests against “blasphemer” candidates, saying that it was “haram” to support anyone not endorsed by the ulema’s consensus.
“Firstly, let us not have divisions among us, both as Muslims and as Indonesian citizens. [...] Secondly, let us be united, such that we can understand each other and not allow political issues to wage differences,” said MUI Education and Regeneration leader Ahmad Jaidi on Wednesday.
Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir via a video statement expressed similar sentiments, asserting that tolerating differences was part of practicing Islam.
“Prophet Muhammad taught us that the practice of fasting should inspire restraint from anger, hatred and conflict. This can be applied to our daily life, when we see differences of opinions occur, including those of political differences. [...] As Muslims we should be actors of unity and fight against division,” he underlined.
The campaigning period for the 2024 polls will officially commence in November and will last for around four months until early February next year.
