By: Dirandra Falguni)*
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections have recorded a new history in Indonesia’s democratic journey. A total of 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities have held their votes on November 27, 2024. As one of the largest local elections in the world, this regional election reflects the nation’s commitment to building a more mature democracy.
However, as with other democratic celebrations, dissatisfaction with the results of the regional elections is a natural thing to happen. Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) Suhartoyo revealed that as of Monday, December 9, 2024, 162 regional election dispute lawsuits had been registered with the Constitutional Court. These lawsuits cover regional elections at the district and city levels, while at the provincial level there have been no cases submitted.
Suhartoyo emphasized that the procedure for the proceedings has been regulated in the Constitutional Court Regulation Number 3 of 2024. The Constitutional Court processes lawsuits through a panel hearing consisting of three constitutional judges, ensuring that there is no conflict of interest. In handling cases, the Constitutional Court has 45 working days since the case is recorded in the Electronic Constitutional Case Registration Book (BRPK).
The same thing was also conveyed by the Chairman of the Indonesian Community Association (Hasrat), Sugiyanto, that although in general it was peaceful, as acknowledged, the dispute over the election results remained an inseparable part of this process.
Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Indrajaya, emphasized the importance of the Constitutional Court being impartial. The lawsuits submitted must be accepted well without favoritism. He also asked the Constitutional Court judges to maintain their integrity and not “play games” with certain parties. Transparency in handling Pilkada disputes is key to maintaining public trust in this judicial institution.
Indrajaya also invited supporters of the candidate pairs to restrain themselves and obey the rules. Dissatisfaction with the results of the regional elections should be resolved through legal channels without provocation that can trigger horizontal conflict.
Executive Director of Madani Indonesia Democracy Studies (MINDS), Dr. Fendi Hidayat, views the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections as an important moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey. Handling disputes over regional election results is not only a legal mechanism, but also a means of political education and legal literacy for the community.
Fendi reminded that legal mechanisms, such as filing a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court, aim to prevent horizontal conflict and provide a fair resolution path. Lawsuits based on strong facts and valid evidence can strengthen the legitimacy of the Pilkada results. Conversely, baseless lawsuits have the potential to create a domino effect that is detrimental to national stability.
The Jakarta gubernatorial election is a barometer of national politics. The potential for conflict due to dissatisfaction with the results of the capital city’s gubernatorial election could affect overall political stability. President Prabowo Subianto is urged to urge all parties to accept the results with a big heart.
Political stability is very important in the early days of a new government, especially to support the implementation of the grand vision of national development. Lawsuits without strong reasons not only hamper the inauguration of new regional heads, but also reduce the efficiency of the democratic system.
There are three important steps that need to be taken to ensure political stability and sustainable development, namely appreciation of the performance of election organizers.
The General Election Commission (KPU) has succeeded in maintaining the principles of direct, general, free, secret, honest, and fair elections despite facing various technical challenges. Recognition of their hard work is important to maintain public trust.
Second, an attitude of acceptance from all parties. The losing party is expected to accept the results with an open heart, while the winning party should not show an arrogant attitude. An inclusive and collaborative attitude is needed to create a conducive political atmosphere.
Third, professional dispute resolution. Lawsuits to the Constitutional Court must be based on structured, systematic, and massive (TSM) violations or other strong evidence. Indiscriminate lawsuits will only burden the administration without providing significant benefits.
Transparent and fact-based handling of Pilkada disputes can strengthen public trust in the democratic system. Surveys show that public trust in the Constitutional Court has increased from 60 percent to 73 percent thanks to its professionalism in handling disputes. However, challenges remain, especially in dealing with negative narratives on social media.
Political education and collaboration between mass media, academics, and Pilkada organizers are solutions to improve public political literacy. In this way, Pilkada can become a more mature democratic learning event.
Dissatisfaction with the election results must be resolved through available legal mechanisms. Fair, transparent, and fact-based law enforcement is key to maintaining political stability and strengthening Indonesian democracy. All parties, including organizers, participants, and the public, have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the election process for a better democratic future.
Therefore, the 2024 simultaneous regional elections are an important milestone in Indonesian democracy. National political stability should not be sacrificed for momentary interests. A lawsuit to the Constitutional Court must be the last resort with strong arguments and valid evidence. President Prabowo has an important role in maintaining this stability by calling on all parties to uphold common interests for the smooth running of central and regional governments.
)* Contributor to Beritakapuas.com