Religious leaders unite to get out the vote

JAKARTA. Amid encouraging signs that eligible voters are enthusiastic to cast their ballot on July 9, the country’s religious leaders on Monday urged their faith’s followers to exercise their right to choose.

Statements were made by the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) chairman Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo, the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) chairman Rev. Andreas Yewangoe and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Din Syamsuddin, after each met separately with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Office on Monday.

 “We urge all Catholics to use their right to vote according to their conscience,” Ignatius, who is also the archbishop of Jakarta, told reporters after the meeting.

Ignatius was accompanied by several KWI representatives, including bishops Mgr. Johannes Pujasumarta, Mgr. John Philipus Saklil and Mgr. Leo Laba Ladjar.

Earlier, Din of the MUI, who was also accompanied by MUI officials Umar Shihab, Slamet Effendi Yusuf, Amidhan and others, emphasized that Indonesian Muslims should vote for the sake of a better Indonesia in the future.

“The MUI has just issued a fatwa [religious edict] that to vote is obligatory [for Indonesian Muslims],” Din said after his meeting with Yudhoyono. “We also want to urge people to vote. [Use your rights] for a better Islam and a better nation for all Indonesians.”

Additionally, Din, who is also chairman of Muhammadiyah, expressed his concern that the upcoming election had divided Indonesians, including religious leaders, former military generals and artists, into two camps.

“If we do not start to rebuild unity, it may lead to conflicts,” Din said. “Therefore, we, as the moral leaders of this nation, ask everyone, as well as the government, to ensure an orderly and peaceful election.”

 There are growing concerns that disturbances might erupt during and after the election, which is too close to call. And though Joko “Jokowi” Widodo-Jusuf Kalla and Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa stopped campaigning on Sunday, smear campaigns have reportedly persisted.

Meanwhile, PGI chairman Andreas said he was upbeat that the upcoming vote would run smoothly and peacefully, saying that people were smart and the government was ensuring the security of the election.

“I believe there is no problem in supporting different candidates. That’s democracy. But after the election such differences should end. After July 9, the president-elect will be the president of every Indonesian, not only the president of some parties,” said Andreas, who was accompanied by several PGI officials including Rev. Gomar Gultom.

Andreas also expressed his hope the president-elect would maintain peace in the country. (Ina Parlina)