FISIP Online – The Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA) UIN Jakarta, in collaboration with h the Congress of Indonesian Female Ulama (KUPI) and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UIN Jakarta to organize a Talk Show with the theme “Pemilu Bersih dan Bermartabat Untuk Peradaban Berkeadilan”. This event took place on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Bahtiar Effendy Auditorium of FISIP UIN Jakarta.

The Head of PSGA UIN Jakarta, Dr Wiwi Siti Sajaroh, conveyed that this collaboration is a manifestation of synergy and harmonious cooperation among academics, the community, community leaders, and organizations to realize a just, prosperous, and peaceful society. In her speech, she also informed that UIN Jakarta already has a task force for criminal sexual violence called Ertri.

We gladly like to inform you that since May, UIN Jakarta has had a task force for criminal social violence. This task force consists of 12 Faculty Vice Deans for Student Affairs and includes the Graduate School, named R3 (Rumah Ramah Rahmat). It is named as such to be a house that provides grace to the entire academic community of UIN Jakarta. Insha Allah, in December or January, two daycare locations will be launched on campuses 1 and 2, followed by campus 3.

In addition to the R3 task force, she added that there will be a focus on gender studies or what is called the Gender Academy and services for the resolution of violence. This strong hope is intended to make campuses in Indonesia, especially UIN Jakarta, the best place for women to undergo a process of becoming strong and dignified individuals, in line with the PSG UIN Jakarta tagline “PSGA hebat dan bermartabat”

The Chairperson of the Deliberation Council of KUPI, Nyai Hj. Badriyah Fayumi, M.Ag, stated that KUPI reflects on the 2019 elections, which became a dark chapter in the nation's democracy, nearly undermining the foundational pillars of the nation and posing threats to humanity. Therefore, KUPI, together with national elements in this activity, must actively play the role of observers in overseeing the 2024 elections to achieve a clean and dignified election for a just civilization.

In her address, she stated that leading up to the 2024 elections, KUPI is confronted with the reality of the torn sense of justice in society, resulting from laws and state apparatus being used as tools to perpetuate power. KUPI's concern is to preserve and nurture the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), which plays a role in realizing the ideals of independence through the steps and works of the scholars, as well as the work of civilization. Therefore, KUPI feels compelled to voice the views of scholars and the aspirations of women. Together with national elements, KUPI strives to ensure that the election contestation can proceed in a ma'ruf (in accordance with fair and good rules and norms) manner.

She also emphasized that the voices of female ulemas must be present to invite and remind political actors, holders of power, and the public to criticize reality so that the journey of democracy does not neglect norms and ethics, both in the process and its outcomes. It is expected that morality and character should imbue the behavior of individual political actors, institutional actors, and the people in practicing noble manners.

“The voices of female ulemas must be present to invite, remind, and criticize reality, as, in addition to promoting goodness, we must also prohibit evil. In a nation that believes in God, the life of the nation and state must not be detached from the universal moral and ethical values of religion and the noble character of the nation. Morality and character should animate the behavior of both individual and institutional political actors, as well as the people, in practicing virtuous conduct. This must be continually advocated so that political actors and holders of power always remain trustworthy, conscious, and vigilant. As expressed by Al-Ghazali, religion and the power of the state are twin brothers, not meant to provoke each other. Religion is the foundation, while the power of the state is its guardian; something without a foundation will collapse, and something without a guardian will be neglected,” he said.

The Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof Asep Saepudin Jahar in his adress said that women's involvement in political society is a blessing. Although there are still challenges and political and social issues that remain common agendas, especially for women who face disparities.

He also expressed that UIN Jakarta has clearly involved women as leaders in faculties. He also hoped that gender balance at UIN could serve as a forefront promoting women as agents of progress, modernity, and Indonesian identity. Similarly, it contributes to preventing identity politics and political turmoil.

“The involvement of women, especially as leaders in faculties, is clearly visible. At a glance, the ranks of vice rectors are led by men. However, the leaders of the faculties are being held by women. This is one form of attention to the role of women. The university deserves appreciation for this balance, being at the forefront in prioritizing various considerations for women as driving forces, promoting modernity and Indonesian identity, so that we can always maintain and continue to develop. Another aspect is how we strive to prevent identity politics and political turmoil because we desire peace and the success of democracy for the progress of Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) UIN Jakarta Dr Gun Gun Heryanto, outlined three basic norms of elections that need to be understood. First, citizenship, which involves being a role model for the virtues of citizenship. Second, representativeness, which requires representing marginalized communities, such as disability groups. Third, competitiveness, which measures the level of competition.

Additionally, he also discussed the influence of the flow of virtues in elections, one of which is electoral law. Electoral law becomes a crucial aspect as it involves trust in the electoral contest. If electoral laws, such as election regulations, are problematic, it can be said that there is a significant issue. Electoral management is essential for election organizers, such as the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu). The electoral process is also a matter of concern as it involves the maturity of individuals/citizens who are engaged in both electoral participations, whether conventional or non-participation. The influence of the flow of virtues is not just about knowledge but also involves abilities and attitudes.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UIN Jakarta, Prof Dzuriyatun Toyibah in her presentation explained about output-based education, where each course is required to address character development. At a minimum, in every class meeting, students should be able to enhance their mutual respect. In more detailed outputs, the skills that students possess related to the course will be evident. Students who can absorb skills can be said to have developed those characters.

“The course is required to address character development. Then, at a minimum, the course should foster mutual respect among individuals. In more detailed outputs, the focus is on skills related to the course. When all these skills can be absorbed, it means that the characters associated with them have been successfully incorporated into the process,” she said.

On the other hand, Commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), Prof Alimatul Qibtiyah, conveyed that there are at least several crucial issues that need attention for women. She also explained the active role that religious communities can play in the 2024 elections.

“I think the religious community must know how to safeguard the democratic celebration to keep it safe and peaceful, and it's important to urge the state to fulfill its functions. Then, remind the best cadres to compete with full integrity, caution, and readiness to win or lose. In addition, citizens must be voters with smart, rational, mature, and dignified strategies in facing differences of opinion. Let's show the world that Indonesian citizens are modern and can conduct the democratic celebration wisely and fairly,” she said.

On the same occasion, National Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network, Nyai Hj. Alissa Wahid, M.Psi., in Psychology, Ph.D., explained that the talk show is one of the efforts to provide education to the general public. Citizens can participate in ensuring the nation's historical movement towards the desired goal, namely the vision of "Golden Indonesia 2045." She explained that this vision cannot be achieved without preparing decision-makers who understand dignity and a civilization based on justice. So, what are the things that future leaders should do to achieve this? She outlined four things that should be implemented.

“What people who will be elected need to do is sustainable development, with three-dimensional requirements: changes in public policy, changes in societal behavior, and a strong civil society. Especially in Indonesia, a religious country, there needs to be a religious approach. All these aspects must be something that can be ensured to happen in the future. Demanding and ensuring that future leaders achieve genuine justice. Not just procedural, but the goal is indeed to realize a just, prosperous, and peaceful society,” she stated.

Additionally, she also highlighted things to consider when choosing the character of future leaders. Leaders should ensure that every aspect of development incorporates a gender-fair perspective and considers the views of women. This includes providing equal access to quality education for women, ensuring the health of women and girls, addressing harmful practices against women and providing necessary interventions, facilitating access to the workforce based on women's perspectives. She expressed the hope that leaders would intentionally have programs for women's leadership that empower and give rise to female leaders.

The event was then concluded with the reading of five political proclamations by Masrukhah, Ida Rasyidah, Lailatul Fitriyah, and Faiquhuddin Abdul Qadir (AH).