RK's Rejection Is Called Not To Develop To SARA Issues In The Jakarta Pilkada

Photo caption: RK's refusal in East Jakarta some time ago was said not to be a SARA issue. (Ist)

JAKARTA UNJ sociologist Asep Suryana assessed that the wave of rejection of Ridwan Kamil will not develop into issues of ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup (SARA) such as when the Ahok case in the 2017 Pilkada.

The Betawi ethnicity issue is not strong enough to shake the RK. The Betawi tribe is already a minority in Jakarta. Only the political symbol is seen in Jakarta, namely the ondel-ondel art. The Betawi Cultural Center in Setu Babakan and also the existence of Bamus Betawi. But, in numbers, only a few," he explained, Monday, September 16, 2024.

In addition, the issue of ethnicity cannot be used as a political commodity considering that none of the governor candidates are Betawi. Rano Karno, for example, is only popular as a Betawi person on the small screen. In fact, Rano is of Minangkabau descent.

Although, this indigenous issue is sexy for a political instrument. Rano has indeed succeeded in imaging himself as a Betawi child. However, Rano is not a Betawi person. So, this is just a symbolic issue that has no significant influence," added Asep.

He hopes that the pairs of candidates who compete in the 2024 Jakarta Pilkada will focus on absorbing the aspirations of the poor in the city and presenting solutions for habitable settlements, education, and employment. Do not let political elites even go too far to play indigenous issues that can again trigger tensions between supporters that lead to polarization.

"If you want to play with this issue, then be wise. It's not offering sentiment like before during the 2017 DKI Pilkada. But, it's more of a solution. The number of poor people in the city is a lot in North Jakarta and West Jakarta," he said.

"On the other hand, Jakarta residents should also not be easily trapped to play identity politics. Both contestants and voters must both emphasize what concrete steps can be taken for the advancement of Jakarta," continued Asep.