Jakarta (ANTARA) - Some religious leaders declared their commitment to ensuring that the 2024 general elections will be held peacefully, harmoniously, and with togetherness, sans politicization of religions.

"To uphold Pancasila, in the national symposium on March 21, 2023, we agree on the need to build a peaceful religious life to increase national unity and solidarity without discrimination and politicization of religions," representative of the Muslim organization Muhammadiyah Syafiq A. Mughni stated here on Tuesday.

The reading of the "Joint Declaration for Peace, Quality General Elections in 2024" was conducted during a national symposium held by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).

The commitment declaration was witnessed virtually by the Chairwoman of PDIP, also Indonesian former president, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

At the declaration reading, Mughni was accompanied by other religious figures, including Fatah S. Massinai of Ahlul Bait Indonesia, Secretary of the Indonesia Institute of Islamic Dawah (LDII) Rio Sidauruk, Hafizurrahman Danang from Ahmadiyah, and Romo (Father) Hans Jeharut from the Episcopal Conference of Indonesia (KWI).

Moreover, religious leaders from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, Baitul Muslimin Indonesia, Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, and the Indonesian Confucian Supreme Council attended virtually.

Another point contained in the declaration is the awareness of religious leaders that discrimination and politicization of religions run counter to the ideology of Pancasila.

The politicization of religions will result in national disintegration, according to the declaration.

The religious leaders said all forms of ideas that lead to the politicization of religions or discriminatory identity politics in the name of religion should be avoided.

On the same occasion, Chairperson of the National Symposium Committee Irvansyah remarked that all circles must focus on the national political dynamics in 2023 as a political year.

"Using the politicization of religions for political purposes that justify all means will lead to divisions or conflicts in the name of religion," he remarked.

Related news: Mass media should verify news on general election: KPI
Related news: Parties contesting 2024 elections have no terror ties: BNPT
Related news: Election spending by parties can boost GDP 0.6%: minister

Translator: Tri A, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023