On Saturday, March 11, 2023 the second meeting of the XIV Interfaith School was held at FISIPOL Gadjah Mada University. This meeting presented experts who focus on the field of Politics. The speakers of this second meeting came from various institutions such as the Rector of De La Sale Catholic University Manado, Pastor Prof. Dr. Johanis Ohoitimur, M.Sc, Mr. Ahmad Sidqi from the DIY General Election Commission, and Dr. Dodi Kuskrido, Lecturer of Sociology at Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM. The discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. Wahyu Nugroho as one of the Interfaith School Facilitators.

In accordance with the theme of the XIV Interfaith School, this discussion discussed the existing politics. The importance of political reasoning for the younger generation in order to create the next generation with integrity, honesty and sensitivity to crucial issues for the survival of the country. The General Election (Pemilu) which will be held in 2024 is the first step in determining the future direction of the nation under the new leader. There are so many challenges faced before the election is held. Especially at this time there are various types of politics used by candidates to sympathizers. This challenge needs to be addressed clearly, because it is closely related to who will run and be elected later. Challenges during the political year include money politics, election-related hoaxes, identity politicization, and unavoidable clashes between sympathizers.

It is important to mitigate the impacts that will occur during the political year. It is important for the elements involved to have strong integrity so that they cannot manipulate or be manipulated. It is important to see and dig deeper into how our society is still practicing various unethical politics to be able to occupy political seats. It is not only about the prospective leaders who will come forward that should be considered. However, it is also important for the wider community to be educated about politics. Especially the younger generation who will be the successors of the nation. It cannot be denied that in the midst of today's massive technology, there is a lot of news and campaigns that touch the realm of social media. Often this news also triggers debates to divide each other. Coupled with various news that cannot be ascertained for its validity, it adds to the long list of forms of national disintegration.

According to Dr. Dian Nur Anna as the facilitator of the XIV Interfaith School, the SLI activity is expected to be able to produce future leaders who can provide significant changes in various aspects. With the opening of interfaith dialog spaces for the younger generation, it is hoped that they will be able to establish closer relationships between religious communities. Especially with the many religious issues that occur today with the effort to open this dialog space can be the first step in improving the condition of diversity in Indonesia.

Editorial Team Study Program

Nurul Khorina Seci Vella