Indonesia
The 2024 regional election in Dompu was widely regarded as one of the most heated political contests in the regency’s history. Two tickets competed fiercely, with candidate pair number one running as challengers against the incumbent pair number two. For months, social media exchanges and face-to-face interactions were dominated by unsubstantiated claims, hate speech, defamation and character attacks. Polarization deepened to the point of straining previously harmonious relationships among residents.
Tensions peaked on Nov. 27, 2024, voting day. From morning until late afternoon, supporters from both camps anxiously awaited the quick count results. By evening, candidate pair number one was declared the winner, ending the bitter contest with a victory for the challengers. Celebrations erupted across the town, while supporters of pair number two fell into subdued silence.
The victory, however, came at a cost. Excessive euphoria disrupted public order. Noisy vehicle convoys roared through the night, and celebrations continued into the following day. The situation escalated when a small group of supporters vandalized a horse statue, a symbol of deep philosophical significance to the people of Dompu. The act was not only regrettable but also reflected a troubling lack of collective awareness and social responsibility.
Although time has passed, tensions have yet to fully subside. Social media remains rife with provocative narratives and attacks from both sides. Yet amid the discord, voices of reason have begun to emerge, calling for reconciliation. A number of concerned figures have urged the rival candidates to meet, shake hands and rebuild the foundations of unity fractured by political rivalry.
Read also: Leader of Al-Aqobah Urged Lecturers Unisma to Establish a Pesantren
Floods and Reconciliation?
Unfortunately, reconciliation efforts have yet to gain real traction. Ego, personal interests and political maneuvering continue to pose significant obstacles. As resentment circulates like a rolling fireball, another calamity struck Dompu severe flooding inundated large parts of the region.
This flood proved more devastating than previous ones. Areas typically spared from inundation were affected. Homes were swept away, and residents were forced to seek shelter in safer locations. Material losses mounted, and emotional distress spread across the town.
Ironically, even in the midst of disaster, political buzzers continued to push provocative narratives. One supporter of a candidate publicly made remarks targeting the opposing camp. Such behavior is deeply inappropriate during a crisis. The disaster should have served as a unifying moment for all sides to set aside differences and focus on rescue and recovery efforts.
Yet amid the turmoil, a glimmer of hope remains. History shows that tragedy can open the door to peace. The reconciliation process in Aceh following the 2004 tsunami stands as a compelling example. When Aceh was devastated by catastrophe, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono seized the opportunity to pursue peace with the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM).
Despite widespread skepticism, Yudhoyono initiated dialogue and allowed international aid to enter Aceh under strict supervision by the Indonesian Military. The move not only eased tensions but also paved the way for a historic peace agreement signed on Aug. 15, 2005, in Helsinki. The success demonstrated that disaster, though painful, can become a catalyst for positive change.
Dompu now stands at a similar crossroads. The floods are not only a test of physical resilience but also of social and moral strength. If local leaders, religious figures and community elders can seize this moment, reconciliation may yet be possible.
Read also: UNISMA’s Multicultural PAI Doctoral Program Hosts Book Review on Conflict, Peace, and Resolution
The disaster should remind all parties of humanity’s vulnerability in the face of nature. When calamity strikes, political divides and ideological differences lose their relevance. What remains is a shared sense of humanity and a collective desire to help one another.
The momentum for reconciliation must begin with small yet meaningful steps. Both candidate pairs should be willing to sit together publicly, shake hands and demonstrate a commitment to jointly assisting flood victims. Religious and customary leaders must act as bridges to unite both sides.
At the community level, Dompu residents must move beyond hostile social media narratives. Rather than trading blame, energy and resources should be directed toward recovery efforts. The disaster is a call to revive the spirit of mutual cooperation that defines Indonesian society.
The regional government must also act swiftly to address the flood’s impact. Aid distribution must be fair and transparent, free from political discrimination. Such measures are essential to restoring public trust in government institutions.
Just as Yudhoyono took significant political risks to launch the peace process in Aceh, Dompu’s leaders must show similar courage. They must step beyond their comfort zones and place the public interest above personal or factional considerations.
This disaster could mark a turning point for Dompu. From hardship can emerge renewed determination to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous region. As Yudhoyono once suggested, tragedy can be transformed into opportunity. That is the challenge now facing all stakeholders in Dompu.
With optimism and firm resolve, reconciliation is not beyond reach. The flood may become the starting point of a long journey toward lasting peace. All that is required is the willingness to move forward together leaving resentment behind and embracing the future with hope. The time to begin reconciliation in Dompu is now.
Author: Imam Alfafan Yakub
