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| Matius Ho in the Pre-Muhammadiyah Pre-Congress event at UMM. (Photo: Haqi Public Relation) |
Pluralism in Indonesia can bring our nation to be better. However, if it is not balanced with a high sense of tolerance, this plurality will become a threat to divide our country. Those are the opening words uttered by the Executive Director of the Leimena Institute, Matius Ho, Ph.D., in the Pre-Congress event held at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). This plan took place offline at UMM Dome on Saturday (03/09).
Furthermore, Matius said that at the opening of the 1945 Constitution, the values of the Indonesian state order had been embedded. These values include humanity, democracy, and social justice. This is what unites the pluralism in Indonesia and makes this nation independent. But pluralism will become a boomerang if society does not instill tolerance.
"The survey, conducted in 17 developed countries in the world, said that diversity is an important factor driving progress. But at the same time, conflicts between groups increased. Some of the factors that cause conflict are political parties, ethnicity, religion, customs, and the environment," he said.
Regarding the factors causing conflict, Matius explained that in developed countries, the leading cause of divisions was political parties. However, divisions in developing countries like Indonesia are standard because of religion and ethnicity. In addition, the existence of social media can also exacerbate the threat of division that can occur in the future.
"Social media can have a strong impact on people's social lives. Social media algorithms will only show what we like and miss the point of view of the other side. This can quickly turn a person into a radical. Not done with social media, the world is ready with the metaverse. Therefore, we must better equip ourselves, especially in the concept of togetherness," said Matius.
He emphasized that pluralism remains the capital for the progress of Indonesian civilization in facing the threat of social polarization and a contribution to world civilization. Matius also appreciates and considers that, in this case, Muhammadiyah is at the forefront.
In line with Matius, Prof. Dr. Romo FX Armada Riyanto explained that some people still do not apply the concept of nationality. So there needs to be a breakthrough that needs to be made by Muhammadiyah.
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According to him, Muhammadiyah has played a significant role in the nation's development. Muhammadiyah, he explained, must also take part in the development of global governance. Moreover, this organization has important and strategic capital to do it.
"I suggest five areas that Muhammadiyah must maintain to revitalize cultural values in society. The first is a good example. Second is the application of the concept of inclusiveness. The third is the cultural value of relationality that does not discriminate. Fourth wisdom in decision making. Lastly, there is the application of a culture of peace," said the Chancellor of the Widya Sasana Malang School of Theological Philosophy. (apg/shi/wil)
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