Mengurai Tribalisme dalam Politik | Angellie Nabilla

Summary

In this episode of *Chasing Reality*, Angel Nabila explores the concept of tribalism in politics, particularly in Indonesia. She explains how tribalism, rooted in human instincts for group belonging, continues to influence modern politics through identity-based support for candidates, parties, and ideologies. This blind loyalty leads to division, fanatical support, and polarization in society. Nabila warns that when used in political contests, tribalism can undermine national unity, with dangerous consequences like conflict and social fragmentation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on policies over identities to promote healthier democratic engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tribalisme, in its basic form, refers to humans' instinct to group based on shared identity, such as language, culture, or values.
• 😀 Throughout history, human tribes formed around common beliefs, values, and goals, but they often led to conflict with other groups.
• 😀 Modern tribalisme has evolved to include not just ethnic or cultural groups, but also political ideologies, sports teams, and even fanatical religion or nationalism.
• 😀 The 'us vs them' mentality in politics often results in negative consequences like polarization and identity-based conflict.
• 😀 Fear-based narratives can trigger tribal loyalty, as seen in historical events like the Nazi regime, which promoted anti-Semitism and violence.
• 😀 Political tribalism can create dangerous outcomes, such as discrimination or violence, especially in diverse societies like Indonesia.
• 😀 In Indonesian politics, people often vote based on the ethnic or regional identity of candidates, not necessarily on their political ideologies or qualifications.
• 😀 Identifying with a political candidate based on shared ethnic or regional background can lead to voters feeling emotionally connected, but doesn't guarantee proper representation.
• 😀 Political identity can escalate conflicts, especially when supporters of different candidates from different groups clash, creating divisive 'us vs them' rhetoric.
• 😀 Tribalism, if unchecked in politics, undermines Indonesia's national unity and the concept of 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity).

Q & A

What is the concept of tribalisme (tribalism) as described in the video?

Tribalisme refers to the ancient human instinct to form groups based on shared identities, beliefs, values, and other social factors. Over time, this concept has evolved and is still relevant today, affecting various aspects of politics and society.

How does tribalism influence political behavior in Indonesia?

Tribalism in Indonesian politics often manifests as identity-based voting, where individuals choose political figures based on shared ethnic, religious, or regional identities, rather than the political platform or ideology of the party itself.

Why is tribalism considered dangerous in politics?

Tribalism can be dangerous because it fosters division and conflict, turning political discourse into a battle of identities rather than ideas. This often leads to increased social tensions and can escalate into violence or discrimination.

How does the concept of 'us versus them' relate to tribalism?

'Us versus them' is a common narrative in tribalism, where individuals or groups are pitted against each other based on perceived differences, often leading to hostility and a sense of needing to defend one's own group at all costs.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate the impact of tribalism in politics?

The speaker uses the example of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, where the narrative of 'us versus them' fueled antisemitism and led to the mass extermination of Jewish people, showing how tribalism can manifest in violent and harmful ways.

What role does fear play in activating tribalism?

Fear is a powerful tool for activating tribalism, as it creates a sense of urgency and survival, prompting people to unite within their own groups and view outsiders as threats. This fear-based mentality is often used in politics to manipulate voters.

How do identity-based elections influence voters in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, voters often base their political decisions on shared identity with candidates, such as ethnicity or regional origin, rather than evaluating the candidate's policy proposals or political track record.

What are the consequences of using identity politics in elections?

The use of identity politics can lead to the fragmentation of society, as people focus on differences rather than shared goals. This can deepen social divides, create tensions, and exacerbate conflicts between groups with differing identities.

How does tribalism relate to Indonesia’s motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity)?

'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' stands for unity in diversity, but tribalism can undermine this ideal by fostering division based on ethnicity, religion, and other identity markers, making it difficult to achieve true unity in a diverse society like Indonesia.

What examples of tribalism in political elections in Indonesia does the speaker provide?

The speaker mentions cases from the 2014 Indonesian legislative elections, where voters in regions like NTT and Muara Enim favored candidates based on ethnic or regional identity, demonstrating the influence of tribalism in voting behavior.