Above politics is humanity
In commemorating the ninth anniversary of the death of KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), it is a time to reflect on and act in our lives, especially amid social issues ahead of the presidential election in April 2019.
When candidates and their supporters are put in a position in which they must show their strengths, they only put forward political matters. As a result, various aspects of life and religious and scientific teachings are exploited.
They do not care whether the religious teachings actually contain sacred values. The important thing for them is that values and issues are adapted into their political framework, and so the teachings of religion must be subject to their perspectives and ways of thinking.
Likewise, science can be modified to influence the masses. Every person or figure who has charisma in the field of religion and science is hired and hijacked to become "servants" who can extend a certain message to the general public that is deemed the most effective in winning over voters.
With this in mind, it is important for us to reflect on Gus Dur\'s legacy, which is that there are more important things than politics. Promoting the spirit of humanity is one of them.
Promoting the spirit of humanity
In pupuh sinom in Wedhatama, written by Mangkunegara IV, it is stated that happiness must begin with the way we treat each other through the Amemangun Karyenak Tyasing Sasama human spirit. Among the core values of humanity is how to knit attitudes and actions that can please everyone.
In other words, referring to the thoughts of the late Nurcholish Madjid (Cak Nur) in the book Islam Agama Kemanusiaan (Islam, the Religion of Humanity), the esoteric dimension of humanity is that we are fair, egalitarian, tolerant, mutually respectful, inclusive and do not impose what we desire on other parties.
This attitude requires a perception that everyone is a human being who must be treated humanely. It is not appropriate if humane treatment is given only to one’s self, while the treatment of others is despotic and impolite.
For example, simply because of differences in choice and support for presidential candidates, we are willing to label others as animals. Kampret (microbat) and kecebong (tadpole) are used to illustrate supporters of presidential candidates. Those who support ticket 1 are called tadpoles while supporters of ticket 2 are likened to microbats. Sadly, this type of labeling has long been the norm and might even continue well beyond the presidential election.
Undeniably, we need to realize that it is fundamental for us to treat ourselves and others in a fair and civilized way. This is as clearly stated in the second principle in Pancasila. Philosophically, this principle requires a moral message that Indonesian people must uphold the character and public civilization and uphold the spirit of humanity by respecting human rights and without discrimination.
Therefore, being fair and civilized must be reciprocated by treating others as we treat ourselves. If we do not want to be labeled as animals, then let use such terms.
Awareness over reciprocity is the first step in humanizing ourselves and others. When fair behavior can be enforced in the spirit of humanity, then we will be classified as civilized because we can hold ourselves to a higher standard.
Responding to the presidential election
It is necessary to realize that the differences in choice in the election are part of life. It is through these differences that our democratic system will run well and progress. Everyone should be free and have the right to choose their own candidates according to their tastes and thoughts. There is no fear like the New Order era, when everything was uniform and all were forced to support certain political interests.
Therefore, when freedom of choice is the highest fitrah (disposition) in the spirit of humanity, what other political lies will we glorify to respond to the presidential election? When the spirit of humanity becomes the most elementary aspect for the growth of happiness, are there those still among us who are willing to risk their dignity only because of differences in political choices?
At this point, we need to make greater efforts to respond to the presidential election wisely and appropriately. As affirmed by Buya Syafii Ma\'arif, it is not reasonable for people to consider the presidential election a war of Bharatayuda, full of fear and threats that Indonesia will end if the so-called wrong candidate is elected.
We must reflect on this issue and not be trapped in politics that are increasingly becoming tainted by blind fanaticism, covered by hoaxes and twisted with hatred, negative content and smear campaigns that everywhere on social media and in real life. Because, as Gus Dur once said, what is far more important than politics is humanity. So let us take care of our humanity by responding to the presidential election with common sense and a clean conscience. (Fathorrahman Ghufron, Deputy secretary-general, Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta; Lecturer, School of Sharia and Law, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University)