The mass media has a very important role in the current era of globalization as a bridge to socialize all stages of the 2024 regional head election (Pilkada) to the public so that disinformation and hoax news do not occur. With this optimization, it is hoped that the implementation of the regional elections can run smoothly.
The 2024 regional elections will soon be an important contest because the Indonesian people will choose their regional leader candidates. Therefore, in this digital era, we need appropriate information channels regarding regional elections in order to create transparency between society and the government.
One of the important roles in the 2024 regional elections is the mass media. The media is a very useful source of information for the public, so that they know the truth and transparency regarding various existing information. In order to prevent divisions between ethnicities, nations, races and religions, the role of mass media is very important in preventing false information that can cause damage.
Bintan KPU Commissioner, Syamsul stated that through mass media outreach it was very important for them to help convey information to the public. Therefore, he hopes that the synergy between the mass media and the KPU will continue in information regarding the 2024 regional elections.
Furthermore, Syamsul reiterated that so far the KPU has tried to convey information openly without covering anything up. This means that they are trying to make information transparent to the public so that there is no misinformation or wrong information.
Nevertheless, the role of mass media today is very large in conveying information to the public. What’s more, now the public can access all the information spread in the media. If it is not filtered and is only accepted at face value, of course this is very dangerous for the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
The reason is that in the midst of this torrent of information, there is a lot of news that also needs to be reviewed so that it does not have the potential to trigger mass action. Therefore, the role of the mass media is strictly maintained in reporting accurate information as a form of implementation in preventing fake news which is prone to occur at this time.
Talking about the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, the Central Maluku Regency Government (Pemkab) through Assistant II for Economy and Development of the Central Maluku Regional Secretariat, Julius Boro, agreed that the role of mass media is very important in providing accurate and balanced information to the public.
According to him, the media has a huge responsibility in conveying the Pilkada process and development to the public, so that those who know this information can make appropriate and correct election decisions. The reason is, the regional elections are a very crucial moment for the community to determine which leaders will bring prosperity to their respective regions.
In order to maintain integrity, transparency and professionalism ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, it is important for all parties, including election organizers, prospective participants, political parties and all elements of society to unite and work together to actively participate in maintaining democracy.
It is not only the mass media that plays an active role in conveying information regarding the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, all elements of NKR society also have an important role so that the contestation can run smoothly, safely and peacefully.
Even though there is a lot of information circulating, the public must also understand and assess which information is actual and which is false. Their contribution in this matter is also very necessary to maintain the integrity and unity of the Republic of Indonesia. The reason is, by sorting and choosing the information you get, then checking the information again, it will be more useful.
Of course, society must also be balanced with adequate literacy skills, otherwise it will be dangerous for the unity and unity of the Republic of Indonesia. Any information circulating must also be crosschecked properly. So that divisions do not arise due to fake news circulating out there by irresponsible individuals.
Head of the Sospenlih, Parmas and HR Division of KPU Bintan Herlianto added that currently Matching and Research (Coklit) officers are collecting community data, for this reason they really need the role of residents so that Coklit can run well and smoothly.
Not only that, the Coklit Team will also coordinate with the local RT to carry out Coklit to the community directly. For this reason, ahead of the 2024 regional elections, it is hoped that communication will continue to be maintained, so that there is no false information or misinformation received between the community, the organizing committee, prospective participants and all elements of the Indonesian nation.
In order to create a conducive situation during the Pilkada, all elements of society are expected to work together to uphold the values of democracy, mutual respect, tolerance, so that this contestation can run smoothly, and all Indonesian people can also enjoy it.
