Flavours of Democracy
“This isn’t a war between good and evil; it’s a political journey taken by good people, each guided by their set of moral tastebuds.”
As Indonesia moves forward towards its 2024 general elections, a palpable sense of anticipation engulfs the nation. The electoral landscape is rife with varying opinions, passionate debates, and deep-seated beliefs. In these pivotal times, the insights from Jonathan Haidt's "The Righteous Mind" can serve as a guiding light towards understanding, respect, and unity.
Haidt's central idea revolves around the concept of "moral tastebuds". Much like our preference for certain flavors—sweet, sour, salty—our moral compass is guided by distinct foundations like care, fairness, liberty, loyalty, authority, and sanctity. These moral intuitions play a significant role in shaping our ideologies, political affiliations, and, subsequently, our choices in the voting booths.
The roots of our diverse moral tastebuds can be traced back to a mix of evolutionary biology, cultural upbringing, personal experiences, and societal influences. Some of us might lean heavily on values of authority and loyalty due to these factors, inclining towards political entities that resonate with nationalistic fervor and strong leadership. Meanwhile, others, driven more by care and fairness, might favor those advocating social equality and welfare.
However, the bridge between personal morality and political choices often becomes a battlefield. The 2019 general elections provided a stark example of this. Misinformation campaigns ran rampant. Claims circulated about millions of "ghost voters", while another damaging hoax painted a presidential candidate as a communist and questioned their heritage. Such tactics aimed to stoke fears and deepen divides, overshadowing genuine dialogue.
As we approach the 2024 general elections, Haidt's teachings remind us that diverse political stances arise from our individual, yet equally valid, moral matrices. This isn't a war between good and evil; it's a political journey taken by good people, each guided by their set of moral tastebuds.
Every vote cast, every slogan chanted, every banner raised is rooted in deeply held beliefs about Indonesia's future. Instead of revisiting the divisive tactics of 2019, let's strive to understand the moral foundations guiding each voter's choices. Recognizing our shared goal—a prosperous, united Indonesia—is pivotal.
Let's remember that Indonesia's strength is much like a rich culinary feast, diverse in flavors and united in its essence. Each of our moral tastebuds adds a unique flavor to this national dish. Rather than clashing, these tastes can complement and enhance one another, creating a dish that's truly representative of our vibrant nation. Let’s savor the diversity, cherish each ingredient, and relish in the unity it brings.
