By: Julvri Liben )*
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is a crucial moment, especially for regions with unique characteristics, such as Papua. Amidst complex geographical, social, and political challenges, cross-sectoral synergy becomes the key to ensuring that the Pilkada in Papua can run smoothly, safely, and without disturbance. This synergy involves not only the central and regional governments but also various elements of society, security forces, and non-governmental organizations committed to maintaining order and democracy in Papua.
Papua, with its vast territory, often faces various obstacles in organizing elections. Therefore, collaboration between various sectors is essential to overcome these barriers. Cross-sectoral synergy, involving cooperation between the government, security forces, civil society, and local community organizations, plays a vital role in creating a conducive atmosphere for voters throughout Papua.
Deputy Chief of Papua Police, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, said that the implementation of the Pilkada is approaching, so his party emphasizes the need for collaboration in maintaining security in Papua. Faizal also stressed to all members to carry out their duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This is important to ensure that the implementation of the Pilkada in Papua can run safely and smoothly.
The central government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the General Election Commission (KPU), has taken strategic steps to ensure that the Pilkada in Papua can be carried out according to the set schedule. One important step taken is strengthening the capacity of election organizers at the provincial, district/city, and village levels. Intensive training for election officials and improving the quality of election infrastructure, such as timely procurement of logistics and easily accessible voting facilities, are part of efforts to ensure the democratic process can take place without obstacles.
In addition, security forces consisting of the TNI and Polri also play a very strategic role in maintaining stability and order during the campaign period until the voting day. With various social dynamics that often arise in Papua, the presence of professional and humanist security forces is very important in reducing the potential for riots or conflicts. The synergy between the TNI, Polri, and the local community becomes a solid foundation for keeping the situation safe and controlled.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Human Resources and Organization Division (SDMO) of the Central Papua Bawaslu, Melianus Julius Korisano, said that his party is conducting electoral socialization targeting first-time voters in Nabire Regency. This activity aims to provide understanding to first-time voters about their rights and obligations in using their voting rights in the 2024 Pilkada. This is important because, in addition to reducing the number of abstentions, the young generation of Papua becomes more aware of their role in the election process that determines the future of the region.
Furthermore, the involvement of community and traditional leaders is very important, as they have a strong influence in determining the attitudes and actions of the community at the grassroots level. Traditional and religious leaders in Papua are often role models and voices heard by the local community. Therefore, their involvement in supporting the peaceful and safe implementation of the Pilkada is crucial.
Traditional Leader and Head of the Kamoro Tribe in Timika, Marianus Magnaiteku, said that his party appreciates the security forces for their dedication in maintaining public security and order in the Papua region, especially ahead of the Pilkada implementation. The Pilkada is a very important moment, therefore the entire community should maintain conduciveness and security so that the implementation of the Pilkada in Papua can run well.
This cross-sectoral synergy is also manifested in the efforts made by the government to improve infrastructure and accessibility in the Papua region. One of the major obstacles in organizing the Pilkada in Papua is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Remote areas in Papua are often difficult to reach, both by election officials and voters themselves. For this reason, the central and regional governments continue to work hard to improve transportation and communication access, so that election logistics can reach even the most distant locations.
The diverse Papuan society, with different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, often faces challenges in maintaining unity. However, cross-sectoral synergy involving various elements of society, both in terms of government, security forces, and community leaders, can reduce the potential for division. In the spirit of togetherness, the Pilkada is not only used as a venue for choosing leaders but also as a means to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and togetherness among Papuans.
Through solid cross-sectoral synergy, the Pilkada in Papua can take place peacefully, safely, and with a spirit of democracy. The cooperation established between the government, security forces, civil society, and local organizations not only creates a conducive atmosphere but also strengthens the sense of unity in Papua. With a shared commitment, the Pilkada can become an important momentum to promote regional development and improve the quality of social and political life of the Papuan people.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta