By: Andi Ramli
The implementation of the Simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada Serentak 2024) has shown evidence of the maturity of Indonesian democracy. The regional head election process that took place in 37 provinces, 415 districts, and 93 cities went smoothly, despite a number of challenges faced.
Not only in terms of logistical and technical arrangements for the election, but also in maintaining peace and smoothness at various stages of the election. High appreciation is due to all parties who play a role in maintaining order, from the central government to local communities.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, revealed that in general, the local political contestation event went very well. Although there were some minor disruptions, such as natural disasters in several areas that caused follow-up voting, as well as several security incidents in certain locations, the government through the security forces has been able to overcome them quickly.
Budi Gunawan ensured that all stages of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections would continue to run safely and peacefully, thanks to mature anticipatory steps from various related agencies, including the TNI and Polri who were on full alert throughout the implementation.
One of the biggest challenges faced in this regional democratic party is the threat of natural disasters that hit several regions. Areas affected by disasters, such as volcanic eruptions and floods, were forced to postpone or hold follow-up voting.
Nevertheless, well-coordinated government and security efforts ensured that the democratic process was not significantly disrupted. This success shows how well Indonesia can overcome unexpected obstacles in a major election involving tens of millions of voters.
The obstacles that occurred during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Election process did not hinder the smooth running of the entire implementation. Chairman of the General Election Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (KPU RI), Mochammad Afifuddin, in a press conference said that although there were minor disruptions caused by natural disasters such as floods in North Sumatra and riots in Central Mamberamo, overall, the election stages had been carried out successfully. According to Afifuddin, although there were disruptions, this did not damage the overall quality of the democratic process that took place throughout the country.
Although there were incidents that disrupted the progress of the Pilkada stages in several areas, such as security disturbances and minor riots that occurred at several points, Afifuddin explained that these problems could be resolved quickly thanks to cooperation between security forces and the KPU.
Quick and responsive action by security forces and good coordination between various related parties are the main keys to ensuring that the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections can be carried out without significant conflict.
The 2024 Pilkada is also not only a national concern, but also an international one. Indonesia, as the world’s third largest democracy, has once again proven its commitment to maintaining a safe, transparent, and integrity-based democratic process.
This commitment has received attention from many parties abroad who consider Indonesia increasingly mature in implementing the democratic party. In this case, the Indonesian government has proven its ability to run the Simultaneous Regional Elections with principles that prioritize peace and integrity.
As a country with a continuously developing democratic system, Indonesia not only prioritizes free and fair elections, but also ensures that the democratic process runs responsibly.
This success is the result of hard work by the government, security forces, and all elements of society who play an active role in maintaining political stability and security. Moreover, media support in overseeing the Pilkada process is also an important factor.
The media has a strategic role in ensuring that the information reaching the public is accurate, free from hoaxes, and helps create an atmosphere that supports the smooth running of the democratic party.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, expressed appreciation to the media crew who have supported the successful implementation of the 2024 Pilkada. According to Meutya Hafid, the media has a very important role not only in conveying information, but also in ensuring that the democratic process runs smoothly and peacefully.
Media support helps create a conducive atmosphere and educates the public to be more aware of the importance of participation in the election process. The media also acts as an independent supervisor that ensures all stages of the Pilkada run according to democratic rules and principles.
The government and media must continue to work together, especially in facing the challenges of the increasingly dominant digital era. According to Meutya Hafid, digital transformation brings challenges as well as great opportunities for the media to develop, so that it can continue to play a role as a development agent that supports government programs.
He also emphasized the importance of media adaptation in facing rapid technological developments and digital transformation. In order for all types of media, both conventional and digital, to continue to exist, regulations must be updated and adjusted to the needs of the times.
The implementation of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections has shown that this country is able to manage the democratic process very well, prioritizing peace, and overcoming possible obstacles deftly.
Maintained security, a smooth election process, and minimal significant conflict illustrate Indonesia’s readiness to face challenges in the regional democratic party.
With solid cooperation between the government, security forces, the community, and the media, the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections succeeded in recording an important history in the journey of Indonesian democracy.
The hope for the future is that this momentum can be maintained, even improved, in the implementation of Regional Head Elections in the coming years. The increasingly good quality of democracy, supported by the active role of all elements of the nation, will bring Indonesia towards a better and more harmonious future. As a country that continues to develop, Indonesia is able to present a democracy that is safe, peaceful, and has integrity, which is an example for the world.
*) National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum