Identity Politics and Social Cohesion in the Dynamics of Democratic Society

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between identity politics and social cohesion within the framework of Indonesia’s democratic system, focusing on the implementation of Law Number 40 of 2008 on the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination. Employing a literature review method, this research explores various scholarly works published within the last five years that discuss identity politics, anti-discrimination legislation, and their implications for social cohesion. The findings reveal that identity politics demonstrates a dual character: it functions as a means of group recognition while simultaneously representing a potential threat to national unity when politically exploited. The primary challenges in implementing Law No. 40 of 2008 include weak legal enforcement, insufficient public awareness, and the inadequate internalization of equality values at both institutional and community levels. Consequently, this study emphasizes the urgency of reconstructing anti-discrimination policies through preventive, educational, and participatory approaches to strengthen social cohesion and uphold the principles of justice and inclusiveness within Indonesia’s multicultural democracy.