The Politics of Identity in North Sumatra

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 25 views

Introduction

The election of regional heads, also known as Pilkada, in North Sumatra in 2018 was a complex political phenomenon marked by the existence of identity politics, which resulted in political fragmentation. This fragmentation was based on cultural and religious differences, and was exacerbated by the practical practices of patronage. In this article, we will discuss the politics of identity in the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada, and explore the dynamics of identity politics in the region.

The Politics of Identity in North Sumatra

The election of regional heads in North Sumatra in 2018 was a stage of complex political practice, marked by the existence of identity politics. Identity politics refers to the use of cultural, religious, or ethnic differences to mobilize support and gain power. In the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada, identity politics was based on cultural and religious differences, and was exacerbated by the practical practices of patronage.

The Role of Patronage in Identity Politics

Patronage is a system of politics where individuals or groups use their power and influence to gain support and loyalty from others. In the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada, patronage played a significant role in the politics of identity. The success team, which was led by the Ermaas couple, utilized the politics of religious identity to gain votes. The couple's campaign was based on the idea of promoting a sense of unity and solidarity among the people of North Sumatra, and was supported by the ulama (Islamic scholars) and volunteers.

The Dynamics of Identity Politics in North Sumatra

The victory of the Ermaas couple in the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada reflects the dynamics of the right populism that were raised in various parts of the world, in response to the globalization and centralization that occurred, especially during the Soeharto reign. Issues such as regional sons and ethnicity, coupled with the impact of the blasphemy case by Ahok in the 2017 DKI Regional Election, also influenced the political atmosphere at that time.

The Characteristics of Identity Politics in North Sumatra

From this study, it was revealed that identity politics in the North Sumatra Pilkada had different characteristics. Ethnic polarization based on religion tends to take place temporarily and will melt after the elections are over. The existence of cross-religious ethnic kinship nets is able to reunite society, shows that identity politics is a momentary interest, and not an expression of a latent identity conflict in society. This distinguishes North Sumatra from other places that are more trapped in identity polarization.

The Strategy for Handling Identity Political Conflicts

The strategy for handling identity political conflicts should consider the dynamics of the crossing of religious and ethnicity. In this context, Dalihan Natolu's philosophy is an important foothold, considering that he created a kinship ties that unites various interfaith elements. Although there are always opportunist and pragmatic groups who try to take advantage of polarization for a moment of political interests through political promises, their existence generally does not last long. The characteristics of the people of North Sumatra who tend to look for compatibility and adaptation between religions and ethnicity will erode the influence of the group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the elections in North Sumatra show that identity politics can be temporary, with the potential to reunite the public after the contestation is completed. Understanding and managing this dynamics is very important to create harmonious and sustainable social relations in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote cross-religious and ethnic kinship nets: The government and civil society organizations should promote cross-religious and ethnic kinship nets to unite the people of North Sumatra.
Encourage inclusive politics: The government and political parties should encourage inclusive politics that promote unity and solidarity among the people of North Sumatra.
Address the root causes of identity politics: The government and civil society organizations should address the root causes of identity politics, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Foster a sense of national identity: The government and civil society organizations should foster a sense of national identity that promotes unity and solidarity among the people of Indonesia.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the politics of identity in the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic.

Q&A

Q: What is identity politics?

A: Identity politics refers to the use of cultural, religious, or ethnic differences to mobilize support and gain power. In the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada, identity politics was based on cultural and religious differences, and was exacerbated by the practical practices of patronage.

Q: What is patronage?

A: Patronage is a system of politics where individuals or groups use their power and influence to gain support and loyalty from others. In the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada, patronage played a significant role in the politics of identity.

Q: Who were the Ermaas couple?

A: The Ermaas couple were the successful candidates in the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada. They utilized the politics of religious identity to gain votes and were supported by the ulama (Islamic scholars) and volunteers.

Q: What was the impact of the blasphemy case by Ahok in the 2017 DKI Regional Election?

A: The blasphemy case by Ahok in the 2017 DKI Regional Election had a significant impact on the political atmosphere in North Sumatra. It contributed to the rise of identity politics and the use of religious differences to mobilize support.

Q: What are the characteristics of identity politics in North Sumatra?

A: From this study, it was revealed that identity politics in the North Sumatra Pilkada had different characteristics. Ethnic polarization based on religion tends to take place temporarily and will melt after the elections are over. The existence of cross-religious ethnic kinship nets is able to reunite society, shows that identity politics is a momentary interest, and not an expression of a latent identity conflict in society.

Q: What is Dalihan Natolu's philosophy?

A: Dalihan Natolu's philosophy is an important foothold in understanding the dynamics of identity politics in North Sumatra. He created a kinship ties that unites various interfaith elements, which is able to reunite society and promote unity and solidarity.

Q: What is the strategy for handling identity political conflicts?

A: The strategy for handling identity political conflicts should consider the dynamics of the crossing of religious and ethnicity. In this context, Dalihan Natolu's philosophy is an important foothold, considering that he created a kinship ties that unites various interfaith elements.

Q: What are the recommendations for promoting harmonious and sustainable social relations in North Sumatra?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote cross-religious and ethnic kinship nets: The government and civil society organizations should promote cross-religious and ethnic kinship nets to unite the people of North Sumatra.
Encourage inclusive politics: The government and political parties should encourage inclusive politics that promote unity and solidarity among the people of North Sumatra.
Address the root causes of identity politics: The government and civil society organizations should address the root causes of identity politics, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Foster a sense of national identity: The government and civil society organizations should foster a sense of national identity that promotes unity and solidarity among the people of Indonesia.

By implementing these recommendations, the government and civil society organizations can create a more harmonious and sustainable social relations in North Sumatra and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the politics of identity in the context of the 2018 North Sumatra Pilkada is a complex phenomenon that requires a nuanced understanding. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic, we hope to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of identity politics in North Sumatra and beyond.