Author: Abah Roy
Chairman of DPC Aswin, Cirebon City
Moral degradation has been one of humanity’s most significant challenges throughout history. Every era and society has its unique ways of identifying, addressing, and mitigating behaviors deemed to deviate from moral norms. Comparing the classical Arab era with modern Indonesia offers valuable insights into how moral decay develops, is regulated, and tackled in two vastly different contexts.
Social and Cultural Background: The Transformation of Values in Classical Arab Society and Modern Indonesia
During the classical Arab era, particularly in the pre-Islamic period (Jahiliyyah), society’s morality was in a deplorable state. Practices such as infanticide of female babies, drunkenness, adultery, and gambling were commonplace and socially accepted. These values thrived because the Arab community at the time lacked organized and religiously binding moral guidelines. A major transformation occurred with the arrival of Islam, which introduced strict moral and spiritual values. Islamic law (Sharia) provided comprehensive regulations aimed at restoring and enhancing societal ethics.
In contrast, modern Indonesia faces moral challenges shaped by globalization and technological advancements. While Indonesia has strong religious traditions rooted in both faith and local customs, modernization significantly impacts these values. The rise of information technology, hedonistic lifestyles, and permissive cultures exacerbates issues such as pornography, promiscuity, drug abuse, and corruption. Local values that once bound societal morality are now under significant pressure to remain relevant amid rapid social changes.
Legal Systems and Enforcement: Firm Sharia Versus Modern Legal Complexity
In the classical Arab era, Sharia-based law enforcement imposed strict social control over moral transgressions. Punishments for moral violations, such as stoning for adultery or amputation for theft, were uncompromisingly executed when evidence was clear. These punishments were designed to deter wrongdoing while preserving societal honor. Beyond punishment, Islamic law provided strong spiritual guidance to help individuals avoid moral decay.
In modern Indonesia, the legal system is based on modern criminal law, influenced by religious and customary norms. However, the complexity of modern legal frameworks often undermines their effectiveness. Cases of moral violations such as corruption, sexual violence, and child abuse frequently fail to result in appropriate punishments. Additionally, corruption within law enforcement institutions often hinders efforts to address moral degradation.
The Role of Technology and Media: Spreading Morality and Immorality in the Digital Age
In the classical Arab era, without modern technology, immoral behaviors were confined to local communities. The spread of deviant behavior was limited, and community-based social control effectively curtailed deviations.
Modern Indonesia, however, exists in a digital era where technology serves as a double-edged sword. Social media, the internet, and digital applications accelerate the dissemination of moral decay. Pornography, hate speech, online fraud, and other destructive behaviors are easily accessible, even to children. Technology not only broadens the scope of moral degradation but also normalizes it among younger generations.
Community Perspectives: From Strong Social Control to Modern Individualism
After the arrival of Islam in the classical Arab era, society established strong social control. Family and community honor became paramount. Social pressure effectively suppressed deviant behavior, as individuals who violated norms faced sanctions not only from the law but also from their communities.
In contrast, social control in modern Indonesia tends to weaken. Urbanization, individualism, and globalization have shifted societal perceptions of moral behavior. Actions once considered taboo, such as promiscuity and hedonistic lifestyles, are increasingly accepted. Traditional values rooted in community are being replaced by individualistic norms that prioritize personal freedom.
Lessons from History: Building Morality in the Modern Era
From this comparison, many lessons can be drawn. The strict enforcement of Sharia in the classical Arab era proved effective in addressing moral degradation. However, such an approach requires the support of strong religious values and societal acceptance.
Indonesia holds great potential to rebuild societal morality by adapting these approaches to modern contexts. Firm law enforcement, moral education rooted in religion and local culture, and strengthening social control through community engagement are steps that can be taken. While technology poses challenges, it can also be utilized to disseminate positive values and strengthen the morality of younger generations.
Conclusion
Moral degradation is a persistent challenge across time and place. The comparison between the classical Arab era and modern Indonesia demonstrates that morality can only be preserved through a combination of religious values, strong social control, and fair law enforcement. By fostering collaboration between the government, society, and religious institutions, Indonesia can overcome modern moral challenges and build a more dignified society.
Cirebon, January 9, 2025
