By Triyuri Septiana )*
The vote recapitulation process in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections is an important stage that requires serious attention from all parties. After the community has completed their voting rights, the commitment to maintaining security and order remains a shared responsibility. The vote recapitulation often presents challenges, especially if there are parties who are dissatisfied with the results announced. In this situation, the active role of the community in maintaining a conducive atmosphere is very much needed to avoid unwanted conflicts.
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of South Kalimantan, KH Hafiz Anshari invited the community to work together to help create a conducive atmosphere after the Pilkada. He emphasized that the implementation of the Pilkada must be the first step to build the region, where all parties can play an active role in making positive contributions. According to him, the success of democracy is not only measured by the smoothness of the election process, but also by the ability of the community to maintain harmony afterwards.
Mutual respect and accepting the results of the regional elections wisely are the main keys to ensuring that the situation remains safe. In a democracy, differences in choice are commonplace. Therefore, maturity is needed in responding to the results of the regional elections as part of the process towards mutual progress.
The role of security forces is also very important in creating a safe and peaceful atmosphere during and after the Pilkada process. Rambah Police Chief, Riau, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AKP) Dedy Siswanto explained that the police are actively carrying out Operation Mantap Praja 2024, which aims to keep the situation under control after the Simultaneous Pilkada. Cooling system activities are carried out intensively to ensure that the public feels safe and avoids potential provocations that can trigger conflict.
The steps taken by the police include routine patrols, dialogue with community leaders, and outreach to the community to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining peace. Collaboration with religious leaders, traditional leaders, and other community elements is a key strategy in effectively spreading the message of peace.
Chairman of Commission A of the East Java Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Dedi Irwansa, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the Pilkada in the East Java region which has so far gone well and conducively. As an institution that handles government affairs, he assessed that the people of East Java have shown maturity in democracy. In his view, differences in choice are a natural part of democracy, and this must be faced with a mature attitude and mutual respect.
He also invited all elements of society to unite after the Pilkada and support the elected regional head. This is important to ensure the sustainability of development in East Java. A joint commitment to maintaining a conducive situation until the vote recapitulation stage and the determination of the regional head is very necessary so that the democratic process runs smoothly until the end.
The vote recapitulation stage is often accompanied by sensitive issues that can trigger tension, such as allegations of fraud or dissatisfaction with the election results. In this situation, the community is expected to be able to become the main bulwark against hoaxes and provocations circulating on social media. Good digital literacy can be an effective tool to ward off incorrect information and maintain harmony in society.
The role of the community in maintaining a conducive situation is not only important during the vote recapitulation, but also after the elected regional head is inaugurated. The community is expected to be a driving force for unity by refraining from provocation, respecting the legal process if there is a dispute, and continuing to contribute positively to regional development. The presence of a solid and proactive community in creating a peaceful environment will provide positive energy for the new leader in carrying out his duties.
In addition, appreciation for the performance of the Pilkada organizers such as the KPU and Bawaslu also needs to be given. The implementation of transparent and accountable Pilkada is a real manifestation of healthy democracy. Criticism of the implementation is still needed, but must be conveyed through a mechanism that has been legally provided, so as not to trigger friction in society.
The vote recapitulation stage is not the end of the democratic process, but the beginning of a new journey to build the region. The elected regional head is expected to be able to embrace all levels of society to jointly achieve the vision of development. On the other hand, the community also needs to support the new leader by making positive contributions according to their respective capacities.
For people who are dissatisfied with the results of the regional elections, legal channels remain the main solution to channel objections. Resolution through dialogue and peaceful channels reflects maturity in democracy. This is a real manifestation that democracy is not only about choosing leaders, but also maintaining unity amidst diversity.
The community has a strategic role in maintaining security and order during the recapitulation of Pilkada votes. Maturity in accepting the results, cooperation with security forces, and commitment to supporting regional development are the main foundations for a healthy democracy.
This joint effort will create a peaceful atmosphere after the regional elections, where all elements of society can unite to build a better future. The active role of society and collaboration with security forces show that Indonesian democracy is increasingly mature and able to face various challenges wisely.
)* the author is a student of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tarumanegara University
