Pluralism Test In General Election

Marinus Padjaru Djowa, Faculty of Law, Unkriswina Sumba.

Indonesia is a large nation with its 1340 ethnic groups, 300 tribes, 17.504 islands, and 6 official religions. Besides being rich in ethnicity and cultures, Indonesia is also rich in natural resources. Various kinds of flora and fauna throughout the world are found in Indonesia. Indonesia is likely a small miniature representing the entire population in the world. As Indonesian people, of course we have to be proud of all beauty given by God to us, the Indonesian.

The struggle of Indonesian people in maintaining integrity and secure stability of the country was tested when Indonesia carried out democratic party in the election of President, Governor, Regent and members of Representatives, because conflicts occurs in the community in the name of ethnicity, religion and races to fight for their own interests.

General Elections is designed for Indonesian citizens to choose leaders who maintain citizens’ rights. It is an implementation of democratic country that guarantee freedom of people to make their choices. But I saw the elections process that is being carried out has led to many conflicts among communities.

The General Elections still left many problems and needed to learn more to implement honest, fair and harmonious elections. Some people took part in elections only to win their candidates without observing the vision and mission first. Sometimes, the elections is used as media of gambling or betting to get money.

We are really tested whether our plurality during elections can still exist or not in the eyes of the world. The government has big roles in minimizing inter-community conflicts that occur when elections take place by continuing to socialize concept of unity in diversity to community. In addition, the fight of elites in the political arena should perform battle of ideas rather than blasphemy and slander one another. The goal is to give an example to public that elections are truly high-quality, calm and peaceful elections.

Let us continue to maintain the diversity of Indonesia, never let this great and beautiful nation be ruined only for the sake of group’s interest. ***