Christmas and Social Solidarity

KOMPAS/VINA OKTAVIA

The condition of a house, which is destroyed after being hit by tsunami in Kunjir village, Rajabasa district, South Lampung regency, Lampung, Sunday (23/12/2018).

The tsunami in Banten and Lampung on Saturday confirmed that Indonesia is indeed located in a disaster-prone area.

The death toll reached 222, scores are still missing, hundreds were injured and a number of buildings collapsed. The disaster struck during the Christmas and New Year holiday.

In light of the disaster and ahead of the 2019 political year as well as Christmas Day, which will be celebrated by all Christians, it is time for us to jointly stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens who are suffering. There is no need to celebrate Christmas excessively as a form of compassion to the victims. Humanity must be at the center of our common concern.

Christmas will be celebrated in gloomy conditions ahead of the 2019 political year. This has been caused by the hard political contestation between the candidates and their supporters on social media, which gives the impression that the nation is deeply divided.

Algorithms on social media are increasingly sharpening this divide. An algorithm engine sorts and selects information that is in line with the habits of the users’ information needs. Therefore, the two opposing sides are deeply split. This information can lead to the further polarization of society. Truth is determined by belief, not by rational data and facts.

In this atmosphere of political contestation, Christmas is being celebrated. The joint Christmas message by the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) and Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) is under the theme, "Jesus Christ Wisdom for Us", which will highlight the human rights situation.

Christmas celebrations are not only about prayers and singing, but also how we as citizens can create a better Indonesia, an Indonesia that respects human rights as mandated by the Constitution.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has tried to fulfill this human right through the introduction of various cards, whether it is the Smart Indonesia Card or the Healthy Indonesia Card. However, human rights issues still exist. Past human rights violations have not been resolved and this makes the nation a hostage to the past. The right to worship, despite guarantees from the Constitution, is still under threat.

On the other hand, the excessive exploitation of nature damages the environment. Ecological destruction is a huge threat to humans. Corrupt leaders are also a burden on the nation. Awareness about the environment and that Indonesia is in the Ring of Fire should be taken to heart by regional and national leaders.

Despite the feeling of confusion, we must remain optimistic as we enter the 2019 political year. Indonesia has proven that it is a resilient country. This nation needs leaders and members of the House of Representatives who are full of wisdom in line with the fourth principle of Pancasila, "Populism led by wisdom in consultation/representation." May everyone have a Merry Christmas.