The Role of Local Elite in the Transformation of Intolerant Values in Indonesia

Abstract

The initial background of the Republic of Indonesia is plural (diverse). Therefore, Indonesian people must live in mutual respect with people who are different from him in various ways (religion, race, and class). This statement is what is referred to as tolerance, the opposite of which is intolerance. However, this life of tolerance cannot be adequately guarded. Historical facts show that many Ethnicity, Religion, Race and Intergroup conflicts occur in Indonesia. Therefore, it takes a commitment and political will from various parties, especially local elites, in maintaining tolerance in this nation. This research studied the role of local elites in transforming the values of pluralism in Indonesia, especially when there was a leadership recycling event at the local level with democratic procedures (direct election). This research is a qualitative study and used the method of literature review, focus group discussion, and also interviews with related parties. The initial background of the Republic of Indonesia is plural (diverse). Therefore, Indonesian people must live in mutual respect with people who are different from him in various ways (religion, race, and class). This statement is what is referred to as tolerance, the opposite of which is intolerance. However, this life of tolerance cannot be adequately guarded. Historical facts show that many Ethnicity, Religion, Race and Intergroup conflicts occur in Indonesia. Therefore, it takes a commitment and political will from various parties, especially local elites, in maintaining tolerance in this nation. This research studied the role of local elites in transforming the values of pluralism in Indonesia, especially when there was a leadership recycling event at the local level with democratic procedures (direct election). This research is a qualitative study and used the method of literature review, focus group discussion, and also interviews with related parties.  The results of this study found that regions that were classified as tolerant tended to avoid religious issues in political contestation such as Singkawang in West Kalimantan. Meanwhile, areas that belonged to the category of intolerance tended to use the religious problems in the contestation of public positions, governors, regents/mayors. One example was the Special Capital Region of Jakarta Province (DKI Jakarta). Therefore, the local elite had a significant role in transforming the values of pluralism or vice versa. Thus, local elites needed to understand the meaning of tolerance thoroughly and avoided the use of religious issues in public office contestation in order to maintain harmony and tolerance among religious believers in Indonesia as a plural state.