Remind MUI Fatwa, Observer: Golput And Silence At Home Is Haram

Illustration of the 2024 General Election. (Irfan M-VOI)

JAKARTA - A political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Ujang Komarudin, assesses that the golput or "white class" is always identified as a form of indifference and disappointment that will actually cause political problems and have a major impact on the nation's development.

"Golput is not an option, goal is a form of indifference and disappointment which will actually cause political problems and have an impact on national development," he said when contacted in Jakarta, Thursday, December 1, was confiscated by Antara.

He said that the apathy attitude implemented through Golput would not solve the problem and would have an impact on national development, because there was no concern for the nation's future fate.

Therefore, he said, at least whatever candidates for presidential and vice presidential candidates are currently offered, they must still be chosen according to conscience and rationality. "The best choice is from what is in accordance with the heart and rationality," he said.

He also reminded the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) which stated that the practice of Golput was haram, so that the law was guilty if it was committed.

"This means that Muslims are bound by the MUI fatwa, yes, if you golput and stay at home, you don't choose it, it's forbidden. It's a sin," he said.

In addition, he assessed that the practice of Golput also had an effect on the legitimacy of the general election itself. If voter participation is low, then the election can also be failed. "In this context, the legitimacy of the elected vice presidential candidate will be low. Therefore, the level of participation is important," he said.

He also appealed to the public to come to the ballot booth on February 14, 2024, to channel their voting rights.

"Because if you have a goal, don't pray if you will suffer a loss if in the future the elected figure as a leader issues a policy that is not as expected," he said.