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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