JAKARTA – Ahead of the 2024 simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada), the role of the media as a pillar of democracy is increasingly emphasized. Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Center, Zulmansyah Sekedang, emphasized that the media has a great responsibility in overseeing every stage of the Pilkada with full neutrality and integrity. According to him, media neutrality in reporting, especially during the campaign period, is greatly needed by the public so that the Pilkada process runs transparently and fairly.
“The first role of the media is to oversee all stages of the Pilkada. Neutrality in taking news in this campaign stage is very much needed by the public. We as journalists must maintain public trust in disseminating news and also our partisanship towards the public,” said Zulmansyah Sekedang. He emphasized the importance of the media in maintaining public trust through accurate, impartial, and integrity-based reporting.
Furthermore, he mentioned that there are several parties tasked with implementing and supervising the Pilkada, such as the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for supervision, the police for security, and the General Election Commission (KPU) for implementation. Among all of that, the press plays a role as a guard for the course of democracy so that it continues to run in accordance with the principles of justice and transparency.
“We provide education to the public through our news, because nowadays the public gets information so quickly. Professionalism, neutrality, and integrity are very necessary in maintaining public trust in news related to the Pilkada,” he said.
In an increasingly dynamic political situation, the role of the media is not only to convey information, but also to educate the public and prevent the circulation of news that could trigger conflict. Zulmansyah Sekedang emphasized that the press is also tasked with ensuring that the 2024 Pilkada is free from hoaxes and black campaigns that could threaten the smooth running of the democratic process. According to him, the media must monitor and broadcast information objectively so that the public gets the right information and can make wise decisions.
In addition to the views of the PWI Chairman, the Chairman of the Kaimana Customary Council (DAK), Lewi Oruw, also gave an important message regarding the Pilkada. He reminded the public, especially the younger generation and first-time voters, to be wise in using social media amidst the political frenzy. Oruw stated that social media often becomes an arena for attacks between supporters that can trigger divisions in society.
“Remember, it is important to maintain a peaceful attitude and respect differences of opinion. Let us create a conducive atmosphere,” he said. Oruw also emphasized that the public should not be easily provoked by provocations from irresponsible parties and avoid attitudes that could worsen the situation.
This statement is in line with Zulmansyah Sekedang’s view that the media has a responsibility to create a healthy, peaceful, and democratic Pilkada atmosphere. The media is expected to provide balanced and educational information, so that the public can take part in the Pilkada with a good understanding and maintain harmony.
With the neutrality and integrity upheld by journalists, as well as public awareness in using social media, it is hoped that the 2024 Pilkada can be carried out smoothly, safely, and peacefully. (*)