By : Galang Faizan Akbar )*
President Joko Widodo’s government continues to be committed to encouraging the implementation of democratic elections. With democratic elections, it is hoped that all parties can compete transparently so that sustainable development can continue to be implemented.
President Joko Widodo has issued strong encouragement regarding detailed preparation and supervision for the 2024 General Election. At the inauguration of the National Election Organizer Coordination Meeting in Jakarta, the President underlined the importance of innovation and listening to input from the people to maintain a conducive political temperature.
Responding to the big challenges ahead of the General Election, President Jokowi encouraged all parties to work together to create political contestation that is quality, peaceful and free from hate speech. He believes that a quality democratic process will produce solutions to the problems facing the Indonesian nation.
President Jokowi acknowledged that the challenges ahead are very big, and awareness of this is the basis for joint efforts to create quality political contestation. For this reason, the President invites all parties to innovate and listen to people’s input as concrete steps to maintain a conducive political temperature.
The importance of maintaining election integrity was also highlighted by the Acting Governor of Central Java, Commissioner General of Police (P) Drs. Nana Sudjana AS, MM, at the Regional II Election Organizer Coordination Meeting in Solo. He emphasized that the principles and values held firmly by election organizers will determine the implementation of good democracy.
His statement reflected a positive outlook on the situation, especially because the activity took place in Central Java. His words showed that his participation in the event was not only a physical presence, but also an opportunity to increase understanding, knowledge and information.
He clearly stated that this activity provided additional motivation and enthusiasm for him, especially in giving awards to the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) for its efforts in creating election organizers with integrity.
The Acting Governor highlighted the principles and ethics that must be adhered to by election organizers as the key to the success of the 2024 Election. Carrying out duties according to the oath/promise of office, maintaining neutrality, impartiality and the principles of election management are the main foundations that must be upheld.
Election organizers are asked to refuse gratuities and be honest if they are related to election participants. In this case, the existence of the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) as an institution that receives complaints of ethical violations and carries out examinations of election organizers who are suspected of violating the Election Organizer Code of Ethics (KEPP) is very important.
Apart from integrity, support and collaboration between election organizers, regional governments and the TNI/Polri is considered a crucial factor in carrying out elections comfortably, coolly, peacefully and of course successfully. The Acting Governor emphasized that this collaboration will be the main pillar in the success of the upcoming democratic party.
Heddy Lugito, Chair of DKPP RI, emphasized that the credibility of organizing institutions such as the KPU and Bawaslu has a direct impact on public trust in election results. If these institutions are considered credible, the public will be confident that the election results are true and fair.
If elections are carried out by trustworthy institutions, such as the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), the results will give a different impression. The public will have confidence that the election results are valid and correct.
Therefore, it is important to unite perceptions in upholding the ethical principles of holding elections at various levels, starting from the national level such as the KPU and Bawaslu to the regional level such as the District Election Committee (PPK), Voting Committee (PPS), and Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu). ) at sub-district and village/ward levels.
Based on Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning Elections, DKPP has a crucial role as election organizer together with the KPU and Bawaslu. The main task of the DKPP is to receive complaints of ethical violations and carry out examinations of all levels of election organizers who are suspected of violating the Election Organizer Code of Ethics (KEPP).
DKPP’s position as an integral part of the Indonesian electoral system emphasizes the importance of joint functions with the KPU and Bawaslu. This ensures that all stages of the election, from planning to announcing the results, are carried out in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.
Facing the 2024 elections, maintaining integrity, adhering to ethical principles, and supporting credible election management institutions are the keys to success. All parties, including the people, are expected to work together to create a conducive, cool and peaceful atmosphere, so that the elections can become an important milestone in the progress of the Indonesian nation.
Successful elections are not just about choosing leaders, but also determining the future direction of the nation. In this context, the success of the 2024 elections is a reflection of the extent to which Indonesia as a democratic country is able to involve all elements of society in the political decision-making process.
In responding to the complexity and challenges faced, let’s together strengthen our commitment to maintain integrity, maintain democratic values, and voice the happiness of the people through the success of the 2024 elections. Every step, from planning to implementation, must be carried out with full responsibility and sense obligation to the nation.
By actively participating in elections and supporting the integrity and credibility of election management institutions, we can together create a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute