The Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is an important moment in Indonesian democracy. In the midst of continuously developing political dynamics, Pilkada has become the main arena for the community to determine leaders who will look after their regional interests. Pilkada is not just an electoral process, but has great potential as a means of national integration.
The history of regional elections in Indonesia has gone through various stages of development. From the New Order era to the Reformation era, the regional election process continued to experience changes and adjustments. Shifts in policy and regulation, as well as changes in local political dynamics, have shaped the regional election landscape as we know it today. Understanding the historical context of regional elections is important to see its role and potential in national integration.Member of the Indonesian General Election Commission (KPU), August Mellaz wants the 2024 Pilkada to be a means of national integration like the 2024 General Election. In the context of the 2024 Election, the KPU took the big theme of Elections as a means of national integration because this is part of a concept that is rarely touched upon even though the Election mission is actually an important one.
Mellaz also said that Pilkada can be a means of national integration, namely starting with contestation and offering programs, then there are differences between pairs of candidates and between political parties, but in the end they are reunited. After the election, all the nation’s children must be able to strengthen their commitment to safeguarding the democratic Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).However, Mellaz explained that the Provincial and Regency/City KPUs have room for autonomy in holding the 2024 Pilkada, while the Indonesian KPU only has accountability at a certain level.
Even though Pilkada has the potential to be a means of national integration, there are various challenges that need to be faced. One of the main challenges is political polarization. Pilkada often becomes an arena for ideological battles and political interests, which can strengthen disparities between community groups. Apart from that, unequal access to information and resources is also an obstacle in ensuring equal participation in the Pilkada process.
To overcome the challenges of national integration through regional elections, comprehensive strategic steps are needed. First, there is a need to increase political literacy and awareness of community participation. This can be done through inclusive and comprehensive political education at various levels of society. Apart from that, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and transparency in the Pilkada process is also key to reducing the risk of manipulation and fraud.
The use of information and communication technology (ICT) can be a solution to encourage national integration and increase participation and overcome challenges in regional elections. By adopting online platforms for outreach and outreach, as well as using monitoring and reporting applications, the public can be more actively involved in the political process. Apart from that, increasingly sophisticated technology also has the potential to increase transparency and security in the implementation of regional elections.
To achieve national integration through regional elections, inclusive and participatory implementation is very necessary. This involves various parties, from local governments, election monitoring institutions, to civil society organizations and the media. By involving all elements of society in the process of planning, implementing and evaluating the regional elections, a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the fate of the nation will be created.
Although there are still many challenges that need to be overcome, Pilkada has bright prospects as a means of national integration in the future. By continuing to encourage innovation in implementation and increasing community participation, Pilkada can be a momentum to strengthen the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation. Strong support from various parties, including the government, non-governmental organizations and mass media, is key in optimizing the role of Pilkada as an instrument of national integration.
Public Policy Observer who is also a Masters Student in Public Policy and Governance at the University of Indonesia (UI), Rifa Khairunnisa, said that the aim of the regional elections is to ensure community participation in electing local leaders who can represent and manage regional interests and provide opportunities for the people to assess the performance of local leaders and elect leaders who are considered capable of bringing about positive change. Pilkada is also a means of electing leaders who are competent in formulating and implementing policies for the welfare of the people in their region.
The public is advised to use their right to vote wisely. Apart from that, it is necessary for society to maintain peace with each other by respecting the choices of other people who have different political choices. Apart from the role of the community, the role of the government in making the simultaneous regional elections a success is also no less important. The government can play a role in maintaining security stability through elements of cooperation between the National Police, TNI and other elements. Pilkada has great potential as a means of national integration in Indonesia. However, to realize this potential, comprehensive efforts from various parties are needed. By increasing community participation, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and utilizing technology, Pilkada can also be a positive momentum to strengthen national unity and integrity. By continuing to strive and work together, we can make regional elections an effective means of building an Indonesia that is more inclusive and just for all its people.
