Implementing the 2024 regional elections in a peaceful, honest, fair and democratic manner is the commitment of all parties. As a nation that upholds democratic values, Indonesia is expected to show maturity in politics and maintain unity amidst differences.
The community has a key role in creating safe and peaceful regional elections. Active participation in every stage of the regional elections is very necessary to ensure the democratic process runs well. The public must use their voting rights wisely, based on an objective assessment of the vision, mission and work programs offered by the candidates. Apart from that, the community must also play an active role in maintaining security and order during the Pilkada process. Awareness of the importance of participating in regional elections in a polite and responsible manner must continue to be increased so that society must be able to reject all forms of provocation, hoaxes and hate speech that can damage social harmony.
In West Kalimantan, the Mempawah Branch of the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PC PMII) held a Declaration Towards Peaceful Regional Elections in 2024 with the theme “Different Choices 1 Goal of Mempawah Safe Peaceful Regional Elections”.
Head of Operations for the Mempawah Police, AKP Erwin Mangasi Simanjuntak, said that this peace declaration activity was a concrete manifestation of mutual concern regarding the awareness that everyone has the same rights in choosing a leader. Pilkada is a process of electing leaders which is the right of everyone, so there are bound to be differences in voting rights. The existence of differences is also a reflection of maturity. However, it is hoped that these differences will not cause conflict problems.
Active participation from the community in every stage of the Pilkada is very important to ensure this process runs well. People must use their right to vote wisely and not abstain. Apart from that, they must also participate in monitoring the running of the regional elections, reporting any fraud that occurs, and maintaining a conducive atmosphere.
In East Java, Chairman of Patriot Garuda Nusantara (PGN) Makorwil Jatim, Purba Laksana Siswanto said the declaration of the East Java Pilkada was peaceful. aims to support the implementation of the 2024 East Java Regional Election in a peaceful manner and with integrity. He hopes that the people of East Java will play an active role in all stages of the 2024 East Java regional elections in an honest, fair, polite, cultured and dignified manner.
In every political contest, the community is often clashed by parties with an interest in boosting one of the candidate pairs so that the community often becomes victims of political interests. Commitment to creating safe and peaceful regional elections must come from all levels of society. By working together and maintaining harmony, we can realize the 2024 regional elections that are successful, have integrity and reflect the true spirit of democracy.
In the Lampung region, the call for the 2024 Peaceful Pilkada for Pringsewu Regency was also declared by the Interfaith youth in Pringsewu Regency. This declaration was jointly signed by representatives of a number of interfaith youth organizations, including the Ansor Youth Movement, Muhammadiyah Youth, Catholic Youth, the Indonesian Christian Youth Force Movement, the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Youth Association and the Interfaith Youth Forum.
Head of the Youth, Sports and Tourism Department of Pringsewu Regency, Ibnu Harjianto, said that the role of youth in the running of a country and government is very much needed, where the enthusiasm and creativity possessed by young people will be able to strengthen national unity. This is a true form of diversity, because differences are the strength to build a nation.
Religious and community figures have a big influence in shaping people’s opinions and attitudes. They must play an active role in conveying messages of peace and inviting their people or community to maintain harmony during the Pilkada process. Through lectures, sermons, or social activities, religious and community leaders can convey these messages, so that people are not easily provoked by negative issues that can divide unity.
Apart from that, religious and community leaders can also act as mediators in resolving conflicts that may arise during the regional elections. With a wise and wise approach, they can help reduce tensions and create an atmosphere conducive to the running of the Pilkada.
Collaboration between institutions and elements of society is the key to the successful implementation of the 2024 Pilkada. Synergy between the government, security forces, Pilkada organizers, political parties, media and community organizations must be well established. Effective communication and strong coordination will help anticipate various potential problems that may arise.
The 2024 regional elections are an important moment for Indonesia’s democratic journey. With commitment and cooperation from all elements of society, it is hoped that the regional elections can take place safely, peacefully and democratically. Each party has a moral responsibility to maintain the integrity and peace of the nation, and ensure that the people’s voice truly determines the future of the region and country. In this way, Indonesia will become stronger and more advanced within the framework of unity and unity.
Let us together maintain and realize a safe and peaceful 2024 Pilkada. Active participation, political maturity, and commitment to maintaining national unity and integrity are the main keys to achieving this goal. In this way, we will not only make the regional elections a success, but also strengthen democracy and maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
*Political observer