Indonesia is the country with the second-largest Muslim population. Religion and Indonesian politics have a very close relationship. Due to the significant Muslim population, politicians in Indonesia have increasingly targeted Muslims, particularly when it comes to religious political issues. Why does this happen? Then, I will discuss it and share my perspective on it.
In terms of politics and religion, Islam is more than just a religion that regulates individual worship; it is also a broad and comprehensive system that covers all aspects of life, including state politics. Because of this, religion and politics in Indonesia have a very close relationship, with Islam serving as the foundation for regulating various aspects of life, including state politics.
However, Islamic politics in Indonesia have faced significant challenges, particularly during each election. Instead of promoting unity in religion and stabilizing Indonesian politics, religious politics have become a platform for securing support and creating divisions when it comes to changing religious beliefs. Candidates engage in various tactics to garner support, particularly by squabbling with one another to portray Islam negatively in the eyes of the public.
Additionally, a religious entity may outright reject a government program intended to benefit the community on religious grounds. Although there is a little bit of truth in a case, sometimes the cause of the many Islamic political problems in Indonesia is also triggered by friction between Muslims and non-Muslims. When non-Muslim leaders meticulously create and implement their work programs, particularly focusing on religious aspects, certain groups may outright reject them, citing violations of religious science. These groups may also point out faults and even criticize the leader directly. But when a Muslim leader implements his work program without paying attention to sharia science, the group is silent and even approves the program without any research in sharia law. This explains why social inequality and religious politics are deeply ingrained in all aspects of Indonesian society. As a result, Indonesia faces significant challenges in its political and social affairs.
Therefore, religious science can be highly effective when combined with politics. Because it can pay attention to the norms and sharia law in implementing work programs. But even so, this has run aground, with many groups linking religious science and politics only for their own interests and divisions in cornering a group. Religious politics ought to focus on all facets of collaborating with religious science for the betterment of society, rather than dividing individuals against one another. As a result, religious science and politics must be in harmony with the right vision, mission, and principles in order for society to prosper.
