by: Andi Prabowo*
The democratic party held simultaneously in 2024 in various regions shows the enthusiasm of the people to choose the best leader who is considered capable of bringing change. It is very important for all elements of society to respect the results of the Pilkada, in order to maintain the integrity of the nation and the stability of the country.
Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (PDT), Yandri Susanto, emphasized the importance of respecting the results of the Pilkada as a form of respect for the people’s voice. Yandri Susanto said that we must respect the people’s choice and not harm the people’s voice because it is the pure voice of the people. He added that the people want change, no more corruption, buying and selling of positions, and want to feel happiness, so that voice must be respected and not abused.
The legal process taken by the couple who feel disadvantaged is part of a legitimate democratic mechanism. However, it is important to remember that the final decision remains in the hands of the authorized institution, in this case the Constitutional Court. He emphasized that the results of the vote recapitulation that have been announced must be respected by all parties, as a manifestation of a fair and transparent democratic process.
In addition, the Head of the Information and Documentation Management Bureau (PID) of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Tjahyono Saputro, invited the public to jointly maintain the conduciveness after the regional elections. Tjahyono Saputro said that all elements of society, including religious leaders, community leaders, and youth, need to be involved in inviting the public to accept the KPU’s decision with an open heart. He emphasized that although differences are common in democracy, unity must be maintained. Tjahyono added that the National Police have implemented a cooling system program to reduce potential conflicts and maintain order in society. This program is carried out to ensure that stability and order are maintained even though there are differences of opinion after the election.
In Jakarta, the results of the regional elections also created an equally interesting dynamic. The gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial candidate pair Pramono Anung and Rano Karno, who won 50.07 percent of the vote, were declared the winners by the Jakarta KPU. The Secretary General of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani, said that his party respects the official recapitulation results of the KPU and will not prevent parties who feel disadvantaged from exercising their legal rights. Ahmad Muzani said that his party always upholds the results of the KPU’s decisions, including the results of the Jakarta Pilkada, and respects the available legal process. He also added that if the Ridwan Kamil-Suswono pair are dissatisfied, they have the right to sue the Constitutional Court, and the process must be followed in accordance with the existing mechanisms.
This reminds us that in every political contest, nothing is perfect, and often there are parties who are dissatisfied with the results. However, the best way to resolve this dissatisfaction is to follow the available legal channels, in accordance with applicable provisions. Brigadier General Pol Yuyun Yudhantara, Deputy Operations of the Nusantara Cooling System, emphasized that differences are natural in democracy. However, he also reminded that the decision on the winner of the Pilkada is the authority of the KPU, and all parties must follow the existing system and respect the KPU’s decisions from the central to regional levels.
The community plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the country after the election, one of which is by participating in respecting the results of the regional elections. In a democratic country, the results of the general election are a reflection of the people’s voice which must be respected and honored by all parties, without exception. Although differences of opinion or dissatisfaction with the results of the regional elections are natural, the community needs to realize that accepting the results with an open heart is part of political maturity and social responsibility.
Public participation in respecting the decisions of the KPU and authorized legal institutions, such as the Constitutional Court, is very important to maintain a healthy democratic process. The public does not only play a role as voters, but also as part of the nation that must maintain unity and order. A wise public will be able to refrain from provocation or invitation to oppose legitimate results. Instead, they must support efforts that prioritize peace and tolerance.
The integrity of our nation does not only depend on the results of a legitimate election, but also on how we as citizens interact post-election. We must put the interests of the nation above the interests of certain groups or factions. Our common task is to ensure that this democratic process not only runs smoothly, but also creates a harmonious atmosphere amidst the existing diversity. Therefore, a commitment is needed to maintain diversity and foster a sense of unity among fellow citizens.
Overall, respecting the results of the Pilkada is a manifestation of our commitment to maintaining a healthy democracy, respecting the voice of the people, and strengthening diversity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. As part of this great nation, every individual must be able to demonstrate a mature attitude and support the realization of national peace and stability for the sake of mutual progress.
*The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
