UII Chancellor: Differences in Social Fact Identity of the Indonesian Nation

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SLEMAN — Rector of the Indonesian Islamic University (UII), Fathul Wahid, spoke about identity politics in Indonesia. He said, in politics, differences in perspectives and opinions are commonplace. However, he underlined that identity politics should not be based on momentary and misguided interests.

“This difference in identity is a social fact and is sunatullah (QS Al-Hujurat 13). That’s why interactions need to be covered by noble values, including equality among the nation’s children, regardless of background,” said Fathul in his remarks at the TCID Office Launching event in Indonesian Islamic University, Thursday (11/5/2023).

Fathul also explained that there is no single definition for the term ‘identity politics’. However, in general, according to him, identity politics is associated with political agendas, actions and activism in which members of identity-based groups organize and mobilize themselves to fight injustices that are experienced because of hegemonic structures, systems and practices.

“Tracking the literature found that when it was born in the 1970s in America, identity politics was a movement against injustice. An example is the struggle of black women in America who were very much second-class citizens, under white oppression. At that time identity is based on the condition of minorities, race, ethnicity, and other social groups who feel marginalized. In subsequent developments, identity is based on diverse religions, beliefs, and cultural ties,” he explained.

According to him, what identity politics fought for at that time was equality for all without neglecting common interests. But in the practice of identity politics in recent years, the phrase ‘without neglecting common interests’ has been questioned.

“The Indonesian nation has been rich in differences since its inception. Indonesia is a plural nation. This is a social fact of this nation that we cannot ignore. The spirit of unity that we echo does not mean that it is accompanied by closing our eyes to all the differences,” he said.

Fathul added that the issue of identity politics in Indonesia was noted to have been used since the mid or late 1990s. According to him, social media is also considered to play a role in the use of the issue of identity politics.

“This is where adequate digital literacy is needed, in addition to good ethical awareness. The seasoning of misinformation and hoaxes, the frame of ridicule that discredits other groups. Instead of heading towards justice and equality for the common good, the pendulum will go to the other extreme,” he said .

He stressed the importance of the unity that the Indonesian nation has been knitting all this time. He hopes that the national unity will not be mortgaged for the benefit of any group that ignores the common good as a nation.

“There should not be a group of children of the nation who feel superior and look down on the others. Whatever the reason. All children of the nation must be seen as equals,” he said.