Politician Fadli Zon Deplores Police's 'Overreaction' Against Identity Politics

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gerindra Party deputy chairperson Fadli Zon criticized the Indonesian National Police's (Polri) plan to establish a task force dedicated to preventing a rise in identity politics in the build-up to the 2024 presidential and general elections. 

"I think that is an overreaction. If they intend to prevent hoaxes it would not be a problem, but there are many aspects that police need to explain why they position identity politics as a criminal act or something that violates the law," Fadli stated in a written statement on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. 

In academic terms, Fadli argued that the concept of identity politics is mostly neutral and in many cases is used for its inclusivity and to support marginalized groups that have received unjust treatment. Francis Fukuyama coins the term isothermic, a struggle for recognition and dignity. 

"I would argue that the stance that is taken by law enforcers or state institutions insinuates identity politics as something dirty, malicious, or something that must be fought. What is the legal or academic basis?" said Fadli Zon. 

Fadli believed that the identity politics that Indonesia's political realm has been using and campaigning made it seem negative and attempts to suppress certain political groups. Fadli urged law enforcers to handle this issue carefully and properly establish the definition of the term. 

DEWI NURITA

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