What is the 212 Movement For?

There is a lot of talk that on December 2, 2018, a 212 reunion action will be held. If we look back at the 212 action, the background of this action is actually quite simple, namely wanting to overthrow Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) from his position as Governor of DKI Jakarta. Departing from the previous agenda, it is not surprising that many people consider that the 212 reunion action this time is no longer relevant or has lost its ideological momentum. In the 2019 Presidential Election, both pairs of candidates have the same background, namely coming from Muslim circles. So, what is actually the momentum of this action?

To discuss the issue, the 2019 Election edition of the Populi Forum on Thursday (11/29) raised the theme "What is the 212 Movement for?" The speakers present this time were Amin Mudzakkir (LIPI Researcher) and Usep S. Ahyar (Director of the Populi Center).

Amin Mudzakkir said that the 212 movement cannot be interpreted as part of electoral politics. Although in 2016, the 212 action was used as a political instrument to win the Jakarta gubernatorial election, in its development the 212 action has shifted. Currently, the 212 action reflects the growing power of conservatism in Indonesia. Therefore, the problem is no longer related to Islam and non-Islam, but more so to anyone who is considered to be against their religious beliefs. Amin continued, "So instead of seeing this as just an expression of electoral politics, this does show the power of Islamic conservatism which of course can be used for anything."

According to Amin, at the elite level, there is basically a split in this movement, although the spirit of this action is still being maintained. This spirit is especially growing in Muslim communities that historically and culturally have strong ties to political imagination or have roots in conservatism. The aspirations of political Islam are aspirations that try to see Indonesia as a land for the emergence of a more Islamic society. Amin further explained that the aspirations that are being pushed do not have to be an Islamic state, but a form of statehood where their version of Sharia can be actualized.

Therefore, the issues raised are not only focused on blasphemy. In the Jokowi era, for example, the issues or narratives raised revolved around the issue of Jokowi being anti-Islam or pro-foreign. The issues formed are issues that they think are not in accordance with their beliefs.

Regarding the potential of this movement, Amin explained that it depends on the extent to which the spirit that is continuously nurtured by the political elite in this movement can be realized into concrete aspirations in electoral politics. "The question is to what extent the consolidation of this group can be realized and ultimately lead to more concrete electoral choices," he said.

On the other hand, Usep S. Ahyar believes that the 212 movement is a political movement. Although the 212 party calls their action a social action, Usep sees this movement as intended for longer political interests. According to Usep, the 212 reunion action aims to see how far the political influence of the 212 movement is at this time.

Furthermore, Usep S. Ahyar explained that the political motive of the 212 movement is to control public space. If the 212 reunion action is not carried out, then the existence of the 212 movement will disappear. This movement cannot enter formal politics (political parties), therefore this movement moves outside formal politics (outside parliament). Usep explained, "They are arranging their existence so that they have a good bargaining position. For those who are hunting for power, this group will be approached."