Impact of Identity Politics on Security and Stability in Medan

ABSTRACT


Introduction
The Influence of Identity Politics on Political Stability and Security in Medan is essential in Indonesia's political dynamics.Regarding post-truth politics, identity politics has shown significant potential for national security stability (Kurator, 2020).This phenomenon of identity politics has attracted the attention of many scholars.It is marked by a large amount of literature that discusses and explains the impact of identity politics in Medan.Identity politics also influences the dynamics of democracy in Medan, especially in the context of national security (Perdana, 2023).
The phenomenon of identity politics, especially post-truth politics, has the potential to stabilize Indonesia's national security.Formal procedural democracy, coupled with advances in information technology, especially the irresponsible use of social media, contributed to the strengthening of identity politics and the fragmentation of society in the post-truth era.This can destabilize national security and the country's resilience (Ash-Shidiq & Setiawan, 2015).The phenomenon of post-truth politics, which is a severe problem of Medan, has the potential to threaten the stability of national security.Identity politics can also affect political stability and national security, so this study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of identity politics in the context of national security (Roscoe, Subramanian, Jabbour, & Chong, 2019).
Identity politics threatening political stability and security in Medan are related to religious and ethnic sentiments (Fatahillah, Luthfi Zuhdi, & Mukhtar, 2022).This phenomenon of identity politics raises pros and cons in society, which has the potential to threaten the stability of national security.Identity politics is also a relevant issue in Indonesian democracy, especially in the run-up to general elections, and can affect political dynamics and national security (Yakoop, 2013).The phenomenon of post-truth politics, which is a severe problem in Medan, also has the potential to threaten national security stability (Hawati, Maulana, Nurfajri, Kusuma, & Nurjaman, 2024).In a roundtable discussion organised by the Indonesian National Lemhannas, experts revealed that post-truth politics is closely related to identity politics, especially religious and ethnic sentiments, which have the potential to threaten national security stability.Therefore, a deep understanding of the impact of identity politics in the context of national security and political stability in Medan is fundamental to maintaining national resilience.
According to Mertadaan's view (2022), four policies were carried out by the New Order to weaken the politics of initiative in the country.First, there is no original area.All areas aim to open as migration and transmigration areas so that all communities are uprooted from their socio-cultural and political roots.Second, the New Order government avoided class formation because the issue of SARA was tightly controlled.Only the government can use SARA to justify which groups are guilty and ostracised from sociopolitical relations.Third, modernisation is carried out so that ethnic and religious influence declines.Fourth, the state regulates so there is no overlap between religion and ethnicity.Because in this way, unity never existed, and the central government was not threatened (Hawati et al., 2024).
The four policies above have enormous political implications in managing central relations with the regions, the government, and its people.Therefore, the passion for ethnicity and religion will no longer be a place where people express themselves politically and express themselves culturally but will turn into a place where people hide themselves politically and seek cultural security.The political and cultural choices of people closing themselves are the best way to follow in the footsteps of New Order power politics.Therefore, when the State has experienced a weakening of its material base, the community borrows the term Mertadaan (2022), seeking protection for religious and ethnic groups.The search for community protection of ethnicity and religion will sooner or later endanger the government's position in building its vertical relations.However, it is also vulnerable, full of risks, and hazardous in its horizontal relations.As it turns out, this conjecture is true.Various conflicts that occurred in the local realm from the 1995s until the New Order collapsed proved how terrible political violence in the country was (Al-Farisi, 2020).
Identity politics in Medan has been cultivated based on individual identities, such as religion, ethnicity, race, group, cultural identity, ideology, organizations, and other primordial communities.Identity politics is an issue that affects various social dynamics, such as politics and elections.The phenomenon of identity politics has become one of the local, national, and international issues.
Identity politics is not only concerned with religion but also involves individual identities based on ethnicity, race, ethnicity, and culture.In the context of politics in Medan, identity politics is often associated with religious issues, such as the legitimacy of particular political interests in the name of religious interests.Identity politics is a political tool used by a group, such as tribe, ethnicity, culture, religion, and so on.Identity politics can be interpreted as a way of doing politics that prioritizes or is based on the group's interests based on certain identity similarities, such as religion, ethnicity, gender, culture, skin color, etc.The impact of identity politics is also quite profound because it can attack certain groups that cause discrimination and radicalization.Therefore, identity politics related to religion and ethnicity have a significant impact on Indonesia's political dynamics, especially in the context of elections.
The stigma of identity politics changes due to political dynamics and the development of social issues in society.Identity politics is not only concerned with religion but also involves individual identities based on ethnicity, race, ethnicity, and culture.In the context of politics in Medan, identity politics is often associated with religious issues, such as the legitimacy of particular political interests in the name of religious interests.Identity politics is a political tool used by a group, such as tribe, ethnicity, culture, religion, and so on.In this context, we will discuss whether identity politics is only concerned with religion and why religion is such a central element in identity politics.
In practice, identity politics related to religion can fuel discrimination, radicalization, and even conflict between groups.Therefore, identity politics must be avoided, considering that religion is positioned only as a legitimacy of political actions that are not necessarily by the glory of religion.Ahead of the 2024 elections, political stability and security are essential issues that must be maintained.Some pollsters signal that the 2024 presidential election will be a battle for presidential candidates' vision, mission, and work programs.The candidates have a solid support base, covering 75 percent of the total support of Indonesian citizens in the past year.However, some argue that political stability in 2024 will experience shocks.The potential for political shock is even more significant if, during an election year, we fail to 'reconcile' two opposing currents of political interests: those who want sustainability and change.
In conclusion, maintaining political stability and security is essential for the 2024 elections.All parties must run healthy, quality campaigns and be wise and intelligent voters.The government is also essential in maintaining political, legal, and security stability.

Research Methods
This study uses a mixed-method approach to investigate the influence of identity politics on political stability and security in Medan (Sugiyono, 2019).The initial research stage involves identifying relevant literature sources, including scientific journals, books, research reports, and related news articles.Literature selection uses established inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and credibility.Next, the data obtained from such literature are analyzed qualitatively.The analysis focused on identifying patterns, trends, and relationships between identity politics, political stability, and security in Medan.The data is comprehensively analyzed to understand the complex dynamics between those variables.During the research process, observations were made on various perspectives and approaches used by previous researchers in understanding the relationship between identity politics and political stability and security.The research also considers viewpoints from various disciplines, including political science, sociology, anthropology, and security studies.
The literature review method was chosen because it allows researchers to explore and comprehensively review the existing literature to produce a deep understanding of the phenomenon under study.This approach also provides the flexibility to craft a holistic synthesis of the multiple perspectives and findings present in the relevant literature.

Results and Discussion
Identity politics has become an inseparable aspect of political dynamics in Medan, consistently triggering debate, controversy, and division among the public.Religion, ethnicity, and regionalism are major focal points in political debates and are often the source of intense societal disagreement.
One of the most striking examples is the issue of religion, which profoundly influences Indonesian politics and people's lives.Controversial cases, such as blasphemy cases, often trigger strong reactions from various parties in society.Groups with strong religious beliefs often voiced protests and demanded intense action against violations of their religious values.On the other hand, other groups may view the case differently, emphasizing freedom of expression and legal justice.
However, it is not only religious issues that are the focus of controversy.Ethnic issues also have a significant role in identity politics in Medan.The ethnic diversity in the country is often a trigger for division, especially in the context of local and regional politics.Inter-ethnic political rivalries sometimes give rise to tensions between groups, even in the form of physical conflicts in some areas.
In addition, regionalism can also affect political and security dynamics in Medan.Differences in political views and interests between regions can trigger severe political disputes and tensions, especially in the context of regional autonomy and regional expansion.
Identity politics has become a complex and challenging reality in Medan, with issues such as religion, ethnicity, and regionalism often becoming central points of political debate and sources of division in society.Responding wisely to these challenges and establishing a dialogue between groups is essential to maintain political stability and security in Medan.
The pros and cons of identity politics can significantly impact political stability and security in Medan.When debates about identity issues become polarising, it can divide society, resulting in social conflict and even intergroup violence.Its impact can be felt in many aspects of life, including political stability, national security, and social cohesion.Therefore, a prudent handling of the pros and cons of identity politics is the key to maintaining the country's stability.

The Challenge of Identity Politics
The challenge of identity politics to security stability in Medan is a severe and complex phenomenon.When extremist or radical groups use ethnic, religious, or regional identities to create tension and conflict in society, it can hurt national security stability.
One clear example is when religious identity is used as an excuse to commit acts of terrorism or incite inter-religious conflict.Extremist groups often use religious narratives to justify acts of violence, which can lead to a series of incidents that disrupt social order and security.Cases such as attacks on religious minorities, burning houses of worship, or other acts of intolerance often have deep roots in identity politics (Wingarta, Helmy, Hartono, Mertadana, & Wicaksono, 2021).
In addition, ethnic identity can also be a trigger for tension and conflict in several regions in Medan.Intense political competition between ethnic groups can result in infighting, riots, or armed conflict.Examples are inter-ethnic conflicts in different regions of Medan, often triggered by political competition, land or resource disputes, or economic inequality between groups.Also, regional identities can trigger tensions and conflicts in society.In some regions, inter-regional political competition or aspirations for autonomy or independence can create tensions between central and local governments, disrupting political stability and national security.
Thus, the Indonesian government and people need to address the challenges of identity politics wisely and decisively.Effective preventive measures, such as community empowerment, inter-group dialogue, fair law enforcement, and promoting tolerance and pluralism, are essential to maintain national security stability.Indonesia can only achieve sustained political stability and security by addressing the root causes of identity politics holistically and integrated.

The Beginning and Impact of Identity Politics in Medan in Elections
Identity politics in Medan has become increasingly tepid since the beginning of independence, mainly due to the cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity in the country.In some elections, politicians often use identity issues to gain political support, which can muddy political dynamics and increase social tensions.In some cases, political polarisation triggered by identity politics can also disrupt the integrity of elections and democratic processes.
Since the beginning of independence, identity politics in Medan has been a major highlight in the country's political dynamics.This is mainly influenced by Medan's rich cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity.Identity politics is becoming increasingly warm amid this diversity, especially as the election period approaches.
Identity issues are often a central point in political campaigns at every election.Politicians often use issues such as religion, ethnicity, or regionalism to gain political support.They use this identity narrative to appeal to voters from certain groups in hopes of enlarging their support base.However, the dark side is that this often triggers sharp political polarisation among different society groups.
Political polarisation triggered by identity politics can harm the electoral process and democracy.When identity politics is used to establish strong lines between groups of people, it can compromise the integrity of elections by fueling unfair and harmful political practices.For example, intimidation of voters from minority groups or the spread of hoaxes aimed at influencing public opinion.

The Linkage of Religion in Identity Politics and Its Causes
Identity politics is a complex phenomenon with many dimensions, including its association with religion.In Medan, religion is often one of the main aspects of identity politics.This is due to the significant role religion plays in the lives of Indonesian people.Religion is a spiritual belief integral to individual and group identity.
The leading causes of the link between religion and identity politics in Medan can be traced from various historical, social, and political factors.Historically, religion has played an essential role in forming Indonesia's national identity, especially in the struggle for independence.In addition, the process of colonialism and colonialism has also influenced the development of religion and political identity in Medan.
In addition to historical factors, social and political factors play an essential role in the interrelationship between religion and identity politics.When societies experience social inequality, intergroup tensions, or political conflicts, religion is often a source of resilience and strength for individuals and groups.Issues such as social justice, morality, or sovereignty are often defined in the context of religion, influencing how identity politics is defined and fought.
Religion also has a strong emotional appeal and can mobilize the masses quickly.Politicians often utilize this aspect in their efforts to gain political support.Religious issues can be a powerful driver in political mobilization, strengthening the linkage between religion and identity politics in Medan.
However, it is essential to remember that the link between religion and identity politics is not necessarily negative.Religion can also be a source of positive moral values, social solidarity, and commitment to justice and peace.Therefore, it is essential to understand the complexities of the relationship between religion and identity politics wisely and take steps that promote tolerance, pluralism, and inclusivity in Indonesian politics.
The stigma against identity politics can change over time due to political changes, social changes, or individual personal experiences.Changes in politics or policies that accommodate the interests of particular identity groups can change negative stigma to positive or vice versa.In addition, education and awareness of the importance of pluralism and tolerance can also influence the changing stigma against identity politics.
Various factors, including identity politics, will influence political stability and security ahead of 2024.In the face of elections, the government and society must strengthen social cohesion, overcome identity politics conflicts, and ensure fair and transparent elections to maintain political stability and national security.Measures to build dialogue between groups and encourage political inclusivity will be vital to creating a stable and safe environment ahead of 2024.

Conclusion
In the context of Indonesian politics, identity politics, especially about religion, ethnicity, and regionalism, has become a complex and significant phenomenon.Identity politics often trigger intense public debates and affect political dynamics and the stability of state security.As one of the main aspects of identity politics, religion has a vital role in shaping the identity of individuals and groups in Medan.Politicians often exploit the emotional solid appeal of religious issues to gain political support, which can muddy political dynamics and increase social tensions.Issues such as blasphemy cases or interreligious conflicts often trigger strong reactions among society, deepening divisions and disharmony.
In addition to religion, ethnic issues, and regionalism also significantly impact identity politics in Medan.Inter-ethnic or inter-regional political rivalries can trigger conflicts and social tensions that threaten national security stability.The development of overheated identity politics, especially in the run-up to elections, can also disrupt the integrity of elections and the democratic process.Thus, the Indonesian government and people need to understand the complexities of identity politics and its impact on political stability and security.Measures to promote inter-group dialogue, raise awareness of pluralism and tolerance, and strengthen equitable law enforcement mechanisms are crucial to maintaining state stability.Only with an inclusive and comprehensive approach can Indonesia achieve sustainable political stability and security in the future.