By: Nurul Janida )*
The implementation of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is getting closer, and the commitment of the Security Apparatus (Apkam) in maintaining security during this democratic process deserves appreciation. The existence of a solid and responsive Apkam is expected to create a safe and conducive atmosphere for the community. The momentum of the Pilkada is not just about choosing and being chosen, but broader than that, because it is the estuary of many interests. So the group of supporters will use all their strength to be able to make their champion come out as a contestant. From there, vulnerabilities arise which are sometimes and often manipulated by the group of supporters to use unfair methods that cause security disturbances.
In every Pilkada, security challenges become a crucial issue. Past events often show how potential unrest and instability can arise if there is no strict supervision. Therefore, proactive steps taken by Apkam at this time are very important.
Head of Public Relations of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General of Police Sandi Nugroho, recently attended the signing of the Joint Decree (SKB) between the KPU, Bawaslu, KPI, and the Press Council. This SKB aims to form a Task Force for Monitoring the Reporting of the 2024 Regional Elections, an important step to ensure the implementation of a safe and orderly general election.
Sandi Nugroho said that the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections are a crucial moment for the Indonesian nation in choosing regional leaders. The importance of collaboration between various elements of society to make this democratic party a success. The National Police, TNI, Press Council, KPU, Bawaslu, and KPI will work together in monitoring news coverage to maintain security and order.
The use of technology in supervision will be in the spotlight. Supervisors and Apkam have implemented a sophisticated monitoring system to detect potential vulnerabilities. By utilizing technology, it is hoped that problem handling can be done quickly and effectively.
One of the important steps taken is the deployment of security personnel at strategic points. The placement of officers in crowded places, such as polling centers, will provide a sense of security for voters while also reducing the potential for disturbances that could disrupt the course of the Pilkada.
The Chairperson of the Press Council, Ninik Rahayu, said that the vital role of the Police in the task force in maintaining security continues to be improved. The safety of journalists when covering the 2024 Pilkada is highly dependent on the support of the Police. The security efforts that have been carried out by the Chief of Police and his staff continue to be maintained.
In the context of maintaining security, good communication between Apkam and other institutions is essential. Through clear information channels, the public can report suspicious events quickly, thereby accelerating Apkam’s response in handling emergency situations.
Bawaslu Chairman, Rachmat Bagja, added that the National Police played a crucial role in making the 2024 Pilkada a success. The National Police’s support in supervising the previous Elections and Pilkada was very helpful, and it is hoped that this support will continue until the implementation of this year’s Pilkada.
The success of the Pilkada is highly dependent on cooperation between all parties, including the Police, Bawaslu, and the community. The challenges faced in the implementation of the Election cannot be considered trivial, ranging from potential conflicts to issues of order. Therefore, the role of the Police in providing security and comfort for voters is very important to ensure that all processes take place fairly and transparently, so that the results obtained can be accepted by all levels of society.
KPU Chairman M. Afifuddin stated that the formation of the task force was an effort to create a healthy campaign space. The media has an important role in conveying positive information to the public, and cooperation between all parties is essential.
The media plays a crucial role in the campaign process and up to the direct election process in the Pilkada. As a bridge between prospective leaders and the public, the media has a responsibility to convey accurate and positive information. In an effort to create a healthy campaign space, the media is expected to present balanced news, provide education to voters, and reduce the spread of hoaxes that can damage the reputation of candidates or create confusion among voters.
KPI Chairman, Ubaidillah, said that strict monitoring of the implementation of the Pilkada is very important to ensure that the information conveyed to the public is accurate and credible.
The role of KPI in ensuring that all mass media perform their functions properly during the Pilkada. With clear guidelines, KPI can monitor the content presented by the media, prevent the spread of fake news, and follow up on violations that could harm the election process. Cooperation between KPI, the media, and Pilkada organizers is very important to create a transparent and accountable environment for all parties involved.
In addition, in Papua, the Papua Police invite all parties in Central Papua Province to jointly create a sense of security ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. The police have prepared to secure the campaign stages and candidate debates through Operation Mantap Praja Cartenz II-2024.
Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police LO, AKBP Acmad Fauzan S.AG, said that the Demonstration Security (Pam Unras) personnel had carried out their duties well. The situation so far has been safe and conducive. His party conducted physical training to ensure that personnel have prime stamina during security duties. This activity is part of an effort to maintain personnel readiness in facing various challenges.
With these various efforts, it is hoped that the 2024 Pilkada can run smoothly, safely, and orderly. A joint commitment between the Police, KPU, Bawaslu, Press Council, KPI, and all elements of society is the key to success in maintaining security during this democratic process.
The community is expected to play a role in creating a conducive environment ahead of the implementation of the Pilkada. With solid collaboration, it is hoped that this Pilkada will be a reflection of the people’s wishes and strengthen the principles of democracy in Indonesia.
)* The author is a Malang student living in Jakarta