REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) has opined that the issues of Tribe, Religion, Race and Inter-Groups (SARA) will remain a threat to the stability and neutrality of the 2018 simultaneous regional heads elections (Pilkada). The rise of SARA issues and the decline in solidarity and mutual cooperation in the Pilkada will reflect the behavior of life that has veered away from the spirit of nationalism.
"It is feared that the issues of SARA will potentially lead to horizontal conflicts in the community, and the experience in Jakarta's past election shows that we need to remain cautious to SARA issues, as it has the potential to disrupt the unity and integrity of the nation," Lemhanas Governor Lieutenant General (ret) Agus Widjojo remarked here on Wednesday.
He made the statement during a discussion of the Lemhannas Leadership Communication Forum with the chief editor of Mass Media on the "The Challenge of National Resilience Management in Facing the Pilkada 2018" held at the Lemhannas Building.
Widjojo emphasized that the use of SARA issues in the upcoming regional elections could create divisions in society.
Hence, the Lemhanas governor urged the people to be wary if there are parties intending to disrupt the stability of life in society, nation, and state.
In order to maintain stability in the run-up to the Pilkada, Widjojo urged the people to be prudent in addressing all differences in accordance with the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
"Harmony, solidity, unity, and integrity should be the values of the nation that must be upheld by all parties," he emphasized.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that all people would contribute to hold peaceful elections, maintain unity, and not be easily provoked by various SARA issues that could create disunity in the nation.
He called on the people to stop using the issues of SARA in regional election campaigns, as they can strongly contribute to the disintegration of society in the long term.
Hence, the 2018 simultaneous regional elections and the 2019 general elections should be supported by all stakeholders.
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