Wounds In The 2017 DKI Regional Election Have Not Healed, Discourse On The Islamic Axis Of PPP-PKS Should Not 'Sell' Identity Politics

Illustration-Islamic Party Coalition according to the results of a survey by the National Survey Institute in the 2014 Election (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Institute's Research and Program Manager, Arfianto Purbolaksono, reminded that the discourse of forming a coalition of Islamic political parties does not sell identity politics.

This is important so that concerns over the division of society do not occur. Moreover, the injuries in the 2017 DKI Jakarta regional election due to identity politics have not healed properly.

"In the midst of a divided society, it is time for political parties to act to unite the nation and no longer use identity sentiments as a tool to fulfill their interests alone," said Arfianto as quoted by Antara, Friday, April 16.

He requested that the formation of a coalition of Islamic political parties in the 2024 General Election prioritizes clear ideas about programs that are in accordance with the needs of the people. Reflecting on the previous elections, political parties only put forward the popularity of their figures and are dry on new ideas.

He assessed that the coalition of Islamic parties must equalize the foothold of Indonesia in the future so that the coalition that was built was preceded by an understanding of that foundation.

According to him, the similarity of views is then formulated into a coalition commitment which is then outlined in the vision and mission, as well as programs, in order to carry the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

"In carrying out the presidential and vice presidential candidates, there needs to be a breakthrough to avoid splits between the coalition, the alternative could be done by implementing a convention mechanism," he said.

Apart from that, according to him, it is also important to be reminded that the implementation of a convention must be followed by the quality of its management, prioritizing transparency and accountability in its implementation.

"Do not let money politics be present at the convention. If there is money politics practice, the convention will not mean anything and will only serve as an image of the party in holding the convention," he said.

The discourse of the coalition axis of Islamic parties in the 2024 Election was strengthened after the meeting of PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu and PPP Chairman Suharso Monoarfa, Wednesday evening, April 14.

The two of them did not deny that they both opened up opportunities for a coalition. From there, the discourse of the Islamic axis coalition in the 2024 Election strengthens. In addition, other Islamic parties, such as PKB, also welcomed it.