By : Ridwan Putra Khalan )*
The government is intensifying preventive measures against the spread of radicalism and intolerance ahead of the 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada). These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure security and stability during the democratic process.
By involving various elements of society and security forces, the government is determined to ensure that the Pilkada runs peacefully and avoids disturbances that could threaten unity and peace at the local level. It is hoped that these steps will provide maximum protection for a transparent and sustainable democratic process.
At an event initiated by Dulur Banaspati in Klaten, a gathering was held as well as a declaration of peaceful regional elections. The Head of Troketon Village, Sunaryo, explained that the main aim of this event was to target the younger generation so that they would not fall into radicalism and intolerance ahead of the 2024 Pilkada.
Sunaryo emphasized that mass organizations have an obligation to participate in society. In this context, Dulur Banaspati plays an important role in educating the younger generation about the dangers of radicalism. It is hoped that this event will increase young people’s insight into the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. According to him, it is important for the public to understand the existing regulations to avoid legal problems.
The younger generation is often the main target of radical propaganda. Therefore, they need to be given a clear understanding of how to distinguish correct information from misleading. Sunaryo emphasized the importance for young people not to swallow the information they receive at face value, but rather to ask for opinions from competent parties and experts in their fields.
Cooperation between elements of society in Central Java is very necessary to create a conducive situation before, during and after the 2024 regional elections. This will help prevent the growth and development of radicalism which could damage social harmony.
The Central Sulawesi Regional Police have also taken significant steps to prevent radicalism. The Madago Raya operation has been extended again until 30 September 2024. This operation involves 253 personnel, consisting of 238 Regional Police personnel and 15 TNI personnel, with a focus on preventive and preemptive activities to prevent radicalism and intolerance in the region.
Head of Public Relations of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police, Police Commissioner. Djoko Wienartono, explained that this operation was aimed at preventing the growth and development of radicalism in Central Sulawesi. It is hoped that cooperation between the TNI and Polri can create a safe and conducive situation, especially ahead of the 2024 regional elections.
The Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) Diskominfo is also not remaining silent. They closely monitor news and hoax content in the digital space. Head of the Babel Islands Diskominfo, Sudarman, emphasized that this supervision is very important to maintain conduciveness during the Pilkada. Hoax information not only disrupts stability but also has the potential to divide society.
Sudarman added that perpetrators of spreading hoax information could be subject to sanctions under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. Diskominfo has carried out supervision even though it has not yet entered the campaign period and will immediately coordinate with Bawaslu to optimize supervision.
Sudarman appealed to the public to be careful in using and disseminating information in the digital space. Information that is detrimental to oneself and society and disturbs public order should not be passed on. He emphasized that fake news and radical narratives could break the unity and harmony of society.
The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is also active in securing the buffer zone of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) from the threat of radical terrorism. BNPT is synergizing government officials and public facility managers in East Kalimantan to strengthen the security system ahead of the 79th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
Head of the BNPT Environmental Security Sub-Directorate, Marine Colonel Setyo Pranowo, emphasized the importance of synergy to prevent radical terrorism. This synergy is expected to improve security not only in IKN but also in buffer areas.
The Head of the East Kalimantan Regional Intelligence Agency, Brigadier General Aldrin Ali Bahasoan, stated that this activity was a forum for sharing data and analyzing threats in an integrated manner.
Throughout 2023, BNPT has carried out outreach and assessments in various public facilities, showing its commitment to securing the region from the threat of terrorism. With good coordination between BNPT, BIN, Kesbangpol, Polda, and public facility managers, it is hoped that the security of the East Kalimantan region can be well maintained.
The efforts of the government and various elements of society to prevent radicalism and intolerance ahead of the 2024 regional elections are very important. With good cooperation between mass organizations, government institutions and the community, we can create a safe and conducive situation.
Optimizing surveillance in the digital space, extending preventive operations, and increasing synergy in buffer areas are concrete steps that need to continue to be taken.
Let’s work together to maintain peace and stability ahead of the 2024 regional elections. By understanding and preventing radicalism, we will contribute to creating a healthy democracy and a harmonious society.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara
