By: Nana Gunawan )*
The 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada) are in sight. As the Pilkada approaches, the spread of hoaxes and black campaigns tends to become more widespread. The hoaxes that emerge generally not only attack political figures who will contest in the 2024 regional elections, but also attack the credibility of political parties, party leaders, and supporters of opposing political parties. The various hoaxes that are spread usually consist of fake news about identity politics, racial issues, or other accusations that manipulate the content of black campaign content. Therefore, in realizing peaceful and conducive regional elections, commitment is needed to strengthen synergy between all parties.
The 2024 regional elections are an important moment in the life of the nation and state. As a democratic process, regional elections not only determine regional leaders, but also reflect the democratic maturity and political maturity of a nation. Peaceful regional elections not only guarantee a healthy democratic process, but also make a positive contribution to the future of the region and the country. The success of holding regional elections will be a barometer for society in determining the choice of the next leader.
In maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, the community must ensure that the implementation of regional elections does not create a risk of social conflict so that the community can exercise their right to vote without fear and produce representative and legitimate leaders. Apart from that, realizing peaceful regional elections is an investment for a better future.
The election process ran smoothly and harmoniously, reflecting the maturity of democracy and society’s readiness to face major challenges in the future. Peaceful regional elections are not only about election results, but also about how people carry out the democratic process with full responsibility and mutual respect.
Then the importance of political education for voters must not be ignored in realizing peaceful regional elections. The public needs to be given clear and accurate information regarding candidates and work programs, so that later they can make wise decisions. Through political education held during the Pilkada stages, it is hoped that public understanding will grow in the importance of voting objectively and rejecting all forms of politicization that can damage peace.
Campaigns that are informative and based on substantive issues will educate voters more than campaigns that focus on personal attacks or sensational issues. Therefore, there needs to be an accurate information base in managing regional election issues, namely the media.
The Regional General Election Commission (KPUD) of Bangkalan Regency, started the 2024 simultaneous regional election campaign stages by holding a peaceful campaign declaration. The declaration was also attended by elements of Forkopimda, Bawaslu, DPRD, and all political party supporters who supported the two pairs of candidates. Chairman of the Bangkalan KPU, Elmi Abbas said that the declaration of this peaceful campaign was the first step towards an orderly and peaceful campaign.
According to him, it is hoped that this peaceful campaign declaration can serve as a guide for each candidate pair in holding a campaign well and peacefully. The Bangkalan KPUD hopes that all parties, candidate pairs and supporting teams, can maintain the spirit of unity and integrity of democracy in Bangkalan.
Elmi also reminded the importance of avoiding the practice of money politics and avoiding hate speech during the campaign period. Democracy is a healthy forum for expressing choices and differences. However, this must be done without hatred, without slander, and by maintaining peace.
Acting Regent of Bangkalan, Prof. Dr. Arief M. Edie also expressed his appreciation for the declaration made by the KPU. He expressed his gratitude for the spirit of togetherness seen from the two candidate pairs and their supporters. According to him, this declaration shows the democratic maturity of the people of Bangkalan.
He added that people are now very intelligent in assessing their potential leaders through various information media. Arief emphasized that people must vote with conscience without any pressure or negative influence, and maintain harmony between candidate pairs and supporting parties so that good communication is maintained.
Elsewhere, Acting Governor of NTT, Dr. Andiko Noto Susanto appreciated all parties involved in holding the elections and emphasized the importance of maintaining a conducive climate during the Pilkada process. He underlined that the peace declaration was not just a formality, but a joint commitment to create peaceful, safe and orderly regional elections.
Andriko also highlighted the importance of holding simultaneous regional elections on November 27 2024 as a milestone in Indonesia’s democratic maturity. He invited all regional head candidates to take advantage of the campaign period by introducing their vision and work program to the public, while prioritizing the values of politeness and avoiding hoaxes.
He hopes that collaboration and active participation from all elements of society can continue to be carried out to prevent the circulation of hoaxes and black campaigns, so that the implementation of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in November can run smoothly, safely and peacefully, and the realization of better democracy in Indonesia.
For the millennial generation and Gen Z who use gadgets more than other generations, if this is not balanced with the readiness of critical media literacy to respond to objective news, they can easily fall into provocations or hoaxes that are detrimental to the running of the regional elections. To prevent and be aware of this, one of the important keys is critical literacy support and strong cooperation between all parties.
)* The author is a Political Observer, Nusa Bangsa Institute.
