By: Haikal Fathan Akbar )*
In 2024, Indonesia will again celebrate one of its biggest democratic celebrations, the Regional Head Election (Pilkada). Before welcoming democracy day, preparations and preventive steps have been taken by various parties to maintain the condition of Public Security and Order (Kamtibmas) in a number of areas. They are aware of the importance of maintaining peace and stability ahead of the regional elections, as the main foundation for the continuity of democracy in Indonesia.
Pilkada is not just a political event, but also a crucial moment for this country in showing its political maturity in the eyes of the world. Therefore, synergy and coordination between various elements of society, security forces and government are very important in ensuring the smooth running of this democratic process.
The success of regional elections is not only measured by the results of the election itself, but also by the process. Peaceful, fair and transparent elections are the key to the continuity of democracy and stability in Indonesia. Therefore, various parties ranging from the government to community and religious leaders have moved together to provide advice and preventive measures so that the situation ahead of the Pilkada remains conducive.
Coordination of all parties in society is an important role in ensuring that the implementation of regional elections runs peacefully, transparently, fairly and democratically. Unity and togetherness in carrying out the democratic process are the main assets for Indonesia in attracting investor interest and showing its political maturity in the eyes of the world.
Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, emphasized that coordination of all parties in society plays an important role in maintaining security and order during the Pilkada implementation. It is hoped that the harmony and solidarity of the Indonesian people will be able to bridge narrow political differences, making the Pilkada a momentum to move forward together.
Maintaining democracy through peaceful elections is a shared commitment to ensure that every citizen has equal opportunities in the democratic process without threats or violence.
Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, emphasized the importance of commitment from all parties, including candidates, political parties, supporters and related institutions, to carry out the election process without intimidation or threats. Only by promoting dialogue, tolerance and respect for differences of opinion can we strengthen the foundations of democracy.
Good coordination between related parties, such as the General Election Commission (KPU), security forces, election monitoring institutions, and other stakeholders, is the basis for adopting effective conflict prevention strategies. Careful security planning, identification of potential sources of conflict, and efforts to resolve disputes peacefully are required.
Furthermore, synergy between government institutions, civil society organizations and the media can be utilized to disseminate accurate information and educate voters about the importance of peaceful regional elections.
Religious figures also have an equally important role in maintaining peace ahead of the regional elections. Bishop of Amboina Diocese, Msgr. Seno Ngutra emphasized the importance of maintaining national brotherhood and rejecting all forms of provocation or SARA issues that could trigger social conflict. Awareness of the importance of maintaining peace and tolerance between religious communities is the key to maintaining social stability amidst increasingly tight political competition.
Even though the Pilkada is an important moment for Indonesian democracy, it cannot be denied that this process is also accompanied by a number of challenges. The spread of hoaxes, money politics, identity politics and intimidation are threats that can disrupt the smooth running of the regional election process. Therefore, coordination between various parties across sectors is very important in minimizing the potential for conflict and maintaining the smoothness of the democratic process.
In the context of preventing extremism and terrorism ahead of the Pilkada, the Government of East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, has taken proactive preventive steps.
Efforts to prevent and overcome violent extremism which leads to terrorism have been carried out through outreach involving various parties, including the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol) and the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government.
Synergy between institutions and society is the key to maintaining a conducive situation, especially in areas that are prone to conflict. Meanwhile, the Toba Police Binmas Unit (Satbinmas) carried out Cooling System activities through friendship with the community as an effort to prevent the development of radicalism and terrorism.
Through contact and outreach, the police are trying to get closer to the community, listen to information, and invite active participation in maintaining security and order ahead of the 2024 regional elections. Synergy between the police and the community is important to maintain a safe and conducive security and social security situation.
With all the challenges and risks that exist, maintaining peace and order ahead of the Pilkada is a shared responsibility. Synergy and cooperation between sectors is the main key in realizing a peaceful and successful democratic process.
Only by uniting and collaborating, Indonesia can overcome various existing challenges and maintain the foundations of democracy for a better future. Hopefully the 2024 regional elections will be a positive momentum for the Indonesian nation in strengthening democracy and building peace and stability at the regional level.
)* Political Observer from the Vimedia Pratama Institute
