Moeldoko: Be Careful With Politization Of Religious Identity Ahead Of The 2024 General Election

Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko, warned the public to be careful of politicizing religious identity ahead of the 2024 General Election. "Making religion as a political tool to seek power will make religion vulnerable to social conflict," said Moeldoko in his statement, Wednesday, December 21. Moeldoko called for the importance of aspects of religious moderation to strengthen tolerance and strengthen harmony in diversity. The hope, he said, is that Indonesia will become a strong nation because its cohesivity is built in common understanding of the differences it has. "In a national context, no longer talking about majority and minorities. This nation is intact, built together. Because by eliminating the majority and minority categories, the opportunity to raise potential is a strength," explained Moeldoko. "Like when the COVID-19 pandemic yesterday, we work hand in hand to recover. If this mutual cooperation continues, this nation will become strong, no longer have to wait for common enemies," added the former TNI Commander. Furthermore, Moeldoko said, President Jokowi's government of RPJMN 2020-2024 strongly stated its commitment to encourage the implementation of religious moderation in Indonesia. This also emphasizes the government's message that religion can be an accurate solution to overcome the global crisis that has an impact on the welfare of the world community. "Indonesia itself in early November 2022 held a Religious Forum of 20 (R20) which was attended by around 464 religious leaders from 32 countries as part of the G20 agenda," said Moeldoko. Moeldoko explained that in the R20 meeting it was agreed on at least three things. First, religious leaders must firmly reject identity politicization. Second, religious leaders are relied on to guide their people in overcoming the crisis. Third, religion must be a solution to world peace. "So please, together we can be directly involved in building this country. Building a country can not only rely on the role of the government, but the role of all elements of society is needed," said Moeldoko.