SOCIAL cohesion and community development are essential ingredients in ensuring communities are in peace and harmony. Social cohesion, in particular, is a prerequisite for a society to be in a stable state and without any conflict.
Beginning from the father of sociology, Emile Durkheim, in the 19th century to countries like those in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development at present, a wide spectrum of definitions and explanations of this concept has been espoused, essentially touching on the wellbeing and sense of belonging in a society.
It reinforces an element of interdependence between individuals that ultimately leads to shared values and reduced disparities.
Narrowing it down to our domestic context, this is one of the core values embedded in the Neighbourhood Watch or Rukun Tetangga (RT).
The May 13 incident in 1969 was the watershed moment that paved the way and hastened the establishment of the Rukun Tetangga Scheme in 1975. The prime role back then was to safeguard the people in the neighbourhood following that tragic event.
Realising its intrinsic value at the grassroots level, the organisation's function and role were expanded over time and given new impetus to enhance national unity.
Currently, there are 8,274 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) nationwide with a membership of 248,220. The increasing number shows that people have seen the effectiveness of KRT not only as a medium to protect their neighbourhoods but also as a bridge between them and the government.
As such, the Rukun Tetangga Community Leadership Empowerment Plan unveiled by the prime minister on Feb 28 is yet another milestone in efforts to bolster national unity in an integrated way.
The initiative that underpins four key working agendas, namely, Safe KRT, Health KRT, Clean and Beautiful KRT and Prosperous KRT under the umbrella of the National Unity Policy and National Unity Blueprint 2021-2030, is expected to tighten any loose ends in communities. It is an appropriate time for such a plan considering the phenomenal and drastic changes taking place that even sometimes transcend our projection, expectation and anticipation.
Based on those key agendas, KRT programmes should be expanded from merely normal routine community-based activities as well as security patrols.
Community is essentially one of the fundamental units and forms a solid base in the pyramid of nation-building. Hence the policy and key programmes at federal and state levels should be trickled down to it seamlessly, which act as a conduit for all individuals living in those boundaries.
The tumultuous time of the pandemic we are experiencing at the moment, for example, can be dealt with effectively by encouraging KRT that has direct association with the community on the ground.
To build a stronger and robust nation, strengthening social cohesion should be paramount and one of our foremost priorities. The unity of our multiracial society lies upon the level of tolerance and acceptance we have.
The higher the rate, the higher the harmony.
The expectation of the government is to ensure our society prospers, lives in peace and supports each other irrespective of background.
Community, on the other hand, expects the support of the government for sustainability. The bridge that connects both parties would enable a win-win situation.
Therefore, imparting responsibilities to organisations like KRT breeds empowerment and enables the realisation of government plans. Ultimately it boosts reciprocity between the government and society.
The changing environment dictates that we can no longer work in isolation but together in every situation.
The writer is Senior Research Fellow, National Institute of Public Administration (Intan)