Fossil Man

The polarization in the community is very clear today. Society split into several groups that are possible because of differences in political, ideological, religious views.

Indeed, it is very natural, considering the difference in how to see things is a necessity that can not be forced or uniformed.

However, the distinction which then elicits new forms of stereotypes and prejudices to other groups is certainly not justified.

Is it true that our society is not yet ready to accept non-physical differences, be it politics, religion or ideology? And is the uniformity of way of thinking a necessity to create a more peaceful Indonesia?

It may be that the 2014 presidential election has become one of the lighters of this polarization. With the advances of Jokowi and Prabowo as two contending candidates, the practical society is only confronted with the consequences of choosing one partner; 1 or 2.

This fight is exactly the logic left or right, up or down, black or white. And, at a certain point of being the right or wrong choice. This went on for several years after that.

Do not stop there, Pilkada Jakarta also contribute to the polarization of the community in celebrating the democracy party. Various political festivals colored this 5-year party trip and made Jakarta the hottest political battleground in Indonesia at the provincial level.

With the same pattern, the community then split into several groups. This continues to persist, even when the electoral process itself is over.

This kind of thing is actually fair in a climate of democracy. Society gathered, looking for friends, class and so on based on groups that have the same ties with them, both in the way of view and how to behave.

This then becomes distorted when society begins to be unable to accept the differences that exist to then create a positive synergy among peoples.

Furthermore, the actual climate of democracy is open to diversity, narrowed down to the behavior of people who then antipathy towards other groups due to differences. This seems to be commonly found in social media where sarcasm that leads to verbal violence often occurs between groups of one and the other group. Not infrequently, this phenomenon leads to more serious legal process.

Some time ago, for example, when Ustaz Abdul Somad was intercepted to do a lecture in Bali, some people confronted him under the pretext of he empowering the ideology of khilafah and affiliated with the forbidden mass organizations in Indonesia. Although these events can ultimately be resolved peacefully, similar cases often occur in this country.

The prohibition of film surgery, book discussions and the like are often the focus of our news. What is the argument? Simply put, they discuss something "forbidden".

Wait a minute, is that really a forbidden thing? Even if it is true forbidden, would not the police officer have more authority to overcome it? Even if not forbidden, it means labeling stereotypes to our fellow countrymen who want to exercise their freedom in the implementation of their rights as citizens.

It's true that it's easier to start hating than to keep finding out. Even in the spaces of thought, the necessary differences in every human head should be addressed wisely and wisely; that it is a gift of God.

Especially in the democratic societies like Indonesia where one barometer of democracy success itself is measured by the acceptance of society in addressing every span of difference, be it in politics, ideology and religion.

If only we could accept every difference as a wealth and an opportunity to continue learning something new beyond our thinking horizon, then no doubt such a distinction would be one of our hallmarks. Just like the unnamed philosophy that has been entrusted our ancestors thousands of years ago that we then know together as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

However, if we consider the non-physical differences that exist in the mind and the self of a person as a barrier and a bully, then it may be true to say Buya Maarif some time ago that those who fear different ideas are fossilized. Yes, fossil man.