One of the main foundations of modern Indonesia was the awareness that the nation could only survive if it would accept, respect and accommodate differences. Therefore the primary – of not sole – task of the country's elite and all of its people is to protect and nurture this spirit of tolerance and make sure that generation after generation will inherit this way of life.
Our founding fathers have sacrificed their egos, narrow-minded ideals and goals to allow the establishment of a pluralist nation, which we call Indonesia. This former colony could have easily been turned into an Islamic state if the nation's Muslim leaders – who formed an overwhelming majority – had insisted on doing so.
Just a few months before the proclamation of independence on Aug. 17, 1945, there was broad agreement that Islam would be the foundation of the new nation-state. But after long discussion and protests from Christian leaders, who threatened to quit their support for the nation, it was ultimately agreed that Indonesia would be a secular state.
Building a pluralist nation, however, remains work in progress. We can't take peace for granted and we have to have a solid strategy to maintain it.
On the national level, Muslims form the overwhelming majority, but minorities everywhere need to be protected if necessary. Unfortunately, sectarian violence and attacks in recent years have suggested our strategy needs amendment.
Differences of interest at the local level can create clashes between Indonesians of various ethnicities or religions. Fortunately small-scale clashes have over the years remained largely isolated – as long as no outsiders try to fan the flames of conflict. Indeed, conflicts have become political tools for those who seek power.
The history of sectarian conflict in Indonesia is a story of local elites and those in Jakarta playing roles in minor clashes and seeking escalation when they can benefit. We know this from deadly conflicts in Ambon, Poso, Aceh and Kalimantan. Instead of working to contain the clash, elite players take advantage in an effort to gain influence and popularity.
That's why we call on Jakarta's elites to stay away from last week's incident in Tolikara, Papua. The alleged attack on a congregation of Muslims should remind us that a peaceful, pluralist society cannot be taken for granted. We all have a role to play, but de-escalation should be the primary concern.