As the polling time for the 2024 regional elections approaches tomorrow, the political atmosphere in the region feels dynamic, and it often distinctly feels tense. The latest case of violence resulting in loss of life in Sampang Regency.
In response to this, the Chairman of the Madura Youth Front (FPM), Muchlas Samorano, stated that instead of representing a joyful politics, it is the opposite: a frightening politics of violence, agitation, provocation, and revenge.
“This is the political practice that must be eradicated.” “This anticipatory task should not only be carried out by the organizers but also by the general public, especially the youth,” said Muchlas in a statement received on Tuesday (26/11/2024).
According to him, the problem is that the stereotype of Madura’s violence is slowly but surely internalized into the political contestation. As a result, political practice in Madura has not yet moved beyond ‘kependekaran’ by relying on lineage and heirlooms.
“Madura’s youth must understand the socio-political situation; the competition between contestants and their supporters appears fierce, making the mutual attacks in politics very evident during the campaign,” he said.
Muchlas agreed, although the dynamics of competition are commonly found in every electoral vote, unhealthy political competition that predominantly relies on hostility and violence is very dangerous.
“Electoral contests, especially in Madura, create extreme polarization not only at the elite level but also permeate the grassroots, and even last quite a long time,” explained Muchlas.
Muchlas does not want the seeds of division and disintegration due to differing political choices in every election to continue to repeat. Therefore, the youth must have political sensitivity to actively participate in efforts to combat divisive political practices.
“The way to do it is through strengthening education and political literacy among students, including polite political socialization to networks and pockets of youth organizations,” added Muchlas.
Muchlas also added that the still high number of emotional voters relying on identity and racial politics is the reason FPM is holding scientific activities to reject political polarization in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Madura.
“FPM is responsible for prioritizing brotherhood and citizen harmony over political practices that often cause division. This kind of agitation politics must be anticipated before and after the regional elections,” he concluded.
Seminario
For your information, Muchlas’s statement was delivered during the opening speech at the National Seminar event titled ‘Polite Politics: Youth Efforts to Maintain Social Cohesion Towards the 2024 Integrity Election’, on Monday (25/11). The event was held in the Ballroom on the 3rd floor of Asmi Hotel Sumenep in collaboration with MPR Madura Raya and was formatted as an interactive dialogue.
Present at the event were speakers including the Commissioner of Bawaslu Sumenep, Hosnan Hermawan, the Sumenep Police Chief represented by the Head of Intelligence and Security, Amirul Mukminin, Rusydiyono, and the Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWRI) Sumenep.
This National Seminar event was attended by hundreds of participants from both within and outside the campus in Madura. After the dialogue session, the event continued with the reading of the peaceful election declaration containing four points of commitment. The declaration was led by the General Chairperson of FPM and was followed by all participants and stakeholders present.
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