Religion and politics

Religion and politics

From Republika

Some members of the political elite still insist on "the
separation of religion from politics", which puts religious
aspirations in politics in the same position as during the over
30-year rule of the New Order regime.

At that time, religious-inspired political ideals were frozen,
so ethical and moral norms based on religious teachings were only
treated as subjects of discussion in meetings of a ritual nature.

These discussions, however, failed to change or serve as a
reference for behavior in public institutions. As proof, such
ethical and moral values have not become firm foundations for
public officials to uphold the supremacy of the law.

If the idea of the "separation of religion" as revealed in the
print media affects the attitude of our presidential candidates
and is brought to reality by the next president, the country may
apply a political system resembling that of Cuba, North Korea and
China.

However, eligible voters still have the opportunity to
exercise their rights properly in the coming presidential
election runoff without being influenced by such ideas, if they
follow closely the substance of the candidates' campaigns.

SUNGKOWO SOKAWERA

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