Jakarta (ANTARA) – Islamic political observer Yon Machmudi reiterated that identity politics must be managed well so as not to hinder the pace of democratic growth in Indonesia.

In a press release from the Association of Indonesian Students in Canada (Permika) received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday, Yon Machmudi recalled that identity politics is not always negative or destructive.

“Identity politics is one of the realities that exists in Indonesia, the existence of which no one can deny,” Yon said during a discussion organized by Permika in Montreal, Canada, themed “Contesting Politics identity in Indonesia; between opportunities and challenges.

Therefore, Yon Machmudi PhD, who is also the director of the Middle East Studies Graduate Program at the University of Indonesia (UI), said that identity politics must be managed well, so that it does not hinder the pace of democratic growth in Indonesia. .

He regrets, however, that the identity politics that have taken place so far in Indonesia have tended to cross borders and be used as a tool to serve practical political interests, thus neglecting democratic values.

In fact, according to Yon, humans have an identity since birth. These identities then continue to develop and coalesce into one, forming a new, stronger and larger identity.

“Identity is a marker of diversity, so diverse identities must be managed, not monopolized by certain parties,” Yon said in a discussion attended by Indonesian students in Canada.

Yon reiterated once again that identity politics must be used in an appropriate and positive space and context.

“It is time for Indonesian politics to move towards truly democratic goals, rather than manipulating democracy to gain political advantage for groups,” said Yon, who is also the executive director of the Indonesian Moderation Initiative .

Therefore, he said, maintaining a conducive political space in Indonesia requires efforts at political moderation.

The dominant and hegemonic politics, he continued, is the portrait of a bad and unhealthy politics. Political protest must always be dynamic and balanced for a political order to emerge.

Meanwhile, Yon said, to create a political order, the Indonesian people need sufficient political knowledge or literacy.

“Political knowledge (political culture) is the key to political dynamics in Indonesia, so people cannot easily use their voice to support certain groups,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Permika President Livia Jonnatan said that this discussion activity conducted in a hybrid way (online and offline) was very important in increasing the political acumen of Indonesian students, especially those studying in Canada .

“This discussion can also be a bridge of knowledge, especially for students who are not involved in politics. This discussion can increase the political knowledge of young people, especially as the 2024 elections approach,” he said. -he declares.