By: Mayang Dwi Andaru)*
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections were successfully implemented safely and orderly, reflecting the professionalism of the security forces in maintaining democratic stability. The Indonesian National Police, in collaboration with the TNI and various stakeholders, played a strategic role in ensuring that every stage of the Pilkada implementation ran smoothly without significant disruption. This success was not just a coincidence, but the result of hard work, mature coordination, and full dedication to carrying out the mandate as protectors of the community.
The Head of the General Election Commission (KPU) of the Special Region of Jakarta, Wahyu Dinata, emphasized the significant role of the ranks of the Polda Metro Jaya in maintaining security during the democratic party. The professionalism of the police was proven through mitigation of various potential vulnerabilities in Jakarta. Although there were concerns about the potential for conflict, the predictive and responsive steps taken by the Police ensured that the situation remained conducive. All stages of the Pilkada took place without significant obstacles, demonstrating the effectiveness of the police’s role in creating a safe and comfortable environment for residents.
The success also received appreciation from the member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia for the DKI Jakarta Electoral District, Fahira Idris. She considered the security stability during the political year to be real evidence of the Polri’s dedication in protecting the community.
The Indonesian National Police has demonstrated its ability to adapt to various political dynamics by taking strategic steps to mitigate potential conflicts, both at the central and regional levels.
Their commitment to maintaining neutrality and transparency also became an important factor in ensuring the success of the largest democratic party in Indonesia. The presence of security forces who are alert and responsive in the field provides a sense of calm for the community, especially in conflict-prone areas.
Fahira also noted the importance of synergy between the Police and the community as the main key in maintaining conduciveness. This harmonious relationship, according to her, needs to be continuously improved so that the Police remain an institution loved by the community.
With a predictive and responsive approach, the National Police have succeeded in quelling various issues that have the potential to disrupt security, while also showing that this institution is truly here to serve. The success of maintaining good relations with the community not only creates security, but also increases public trust in state institutions.
Secretary General of the Crescent Star Party, Mohammad Masduki, also gave a similar view. He highlighted the success of the Police in maintaining neutrality during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, even though there were issues that doubted the integrity of the institution.
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) proved its professionalism by conducting large-scale joint patrols with the TNI and other stakeholders, creating a safe and peaceful situation amidst high political dynamics. Their efforts not only ensured the smooth running of the democratic process but also emphasized that the Indonesian National Police remains committed to maintaining neutrality amidst intense political contestation.
Masduki added that security stability during the regional elections not only has an impact on the smooth running of the democratic process, but also provides a sense of security that is felt directly by the community.
The success reflects the important role of security forces in maintaining the dignity of democracy and enforcing the law fairly. With the same spirit, he hopes that the National Police will continue to improve their performance in facing increasingly complex future challenges. Not only that, Masduki also assessed that the readiness of the National Police in handling security issues during the Pilkada showed excellence in terms of planning and execution.
The professionalism of the security forces in maintaining conducive conditions during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections is also proof that hard work and cross-sector collaboration can produce positive changes.
Not only securing the implementation of the regional elections, the National Police also demonstrated success in eradicating street crime, drugs, and other forms of crime during the political year.
All of this was done while still prioritizing service to the community. This success shows that the Police are able to carry out dual duties, namely maintaining Pilkada security while eradicating various criminal acts.
Going forward, the challenge for the Police is to maintain and improve this standard of professionalism. With the dynamics of society and technology continuing to develop, an innovative and adaptive approach is needed to address various potential threats.
The public expects the Police to not only be a security guard, but also an important pillar in supporting national development. In this case, it is important to continue to strengthen the synergy between security forces and the community and other institutions, in order to ensure sustainable stability.
The conduciveness achieved in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections is a reflection that democracy in Indonesia can run peacefully when every element, especially the security forces, carries out their duties professionally.
The strategic role of the Police, TNI, and related agencies in creating this stability not only provides a sense of security, but also strengthens public trust in the implementation of democracy. This experience is an important capital in preparing for the democratic party in the future.
With this success, great hope arises that the professionalism that has been shown can continue to be maintained and improved. The synergy that exists between the security forces and the community must be maintained, in order to ensure that every democratic process in the future can take place better.
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections have provided a valuable lesson that security stability is the main foundation for building a developed and prosperous nation. In a broader context, this success is also an inspiration for other countries in managing democracy peacefully and with dignity. (*)
)* The author is a contributor to the Sadawira Utama Institute