By: Chandra Budi Setyo
The 2024 regional elections are just around the corner, and the hope for a peaceful democratic celebration is resonating throughout the country. However, creating a conducive atmosphere for this grand event is not an easy task.
To realize a safe and peaceful regional election, the first step that must be taken is to respect the differences in political choices present in society. In a situation where differences can become a source of friction, mutual respect is the key to maintaining the integrity of the nation.
The Head of the Malang City Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, firmly invites all layers of society to participate in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the 2024 regional election stages. The importance of respecting different political choices, as these differences are part of the dynamics of a healthy democracy. Every citizen has the right to vote according to their conscience, and these differences should be a strength, not a weakness.
Budi also emphasized the need for active participation from the entire community. She believes that despite the differences in political views, the main goal that must be pursued is to find a leader who can lead Malang City and other regions towards better progress. Therefore, the public should not be easily provoked by hoax news, SARA issues, and identity politics practices that can divide unity.
Budi also reminded citizens who already have the right to vote to ensure they exercise that right on the scheduled voting day, which is November 27, 2024. According to him, going to the polling station is not just about fulfilling one’s duty as a citizen, but also a form of participation in determining the future of the region and the country.
Not only in Malang, the Sumenep Resort Police (Polres) also initiated a similar step by inviting various community elements to declare a safe and peaceful 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. The Chief of the Sumenep Police, AKBP Henri Noveri Santoso, stated that this declaration is a form of joint commitment to create orderly and disturbance-free local elections.
Various elements of society invited to the declaration included officials from the regional leadership communication forum, religious mass organizations, village heads, students, journalists, and organizers of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
This declaration, marked by a joint signing, serves as an important symbol of our collective effort to realize peaceful regional elections. Henri emphasized that support and cooperation from all parties are essential to achieve this goal. Henri also expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by all those involved.
In the declaration, there are four main points that serve as a guideline for all elements of society in Sumenep. First, to support and assist the ranks of the TNI/Polri in maintaining security and the success of the Simultaneous Regional Elections in 2024. Second, to uphold unity and integrity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, which is the main foundation for the success of this democratic festivity.
The third point is to reject all forms of provocation that have the potential to divide brotherhood and undermine the essence of democracy. This becomes very crucial considering the potential conflicts that may arise from provocations deliberately created by irresponsible parties.
The final point is to collectively counter hoax news and hate speech that can disrupt the course of the regional elections, considering that in this digital era, misinformation can spread rapidly and create tension in society. In this context, mass media also plays an equally important role.
The media is expected to serve as a means of political education that enlightens society, rather than becoming a source of conflict by spreading inaccurate information or provoking. Proper political education will help the community become more critical in receiving information and not easily swayed by issues whose truth is unclear.
On the other hand, educational institutions can also play an active role in providing young generations with an understanding of the importance of appreciating differences and maintaining unity. Political education introduced from an early age can shape a more mature character in responding to the political dynamics occurring around them.
Realizing a peaceful regional election is not just the responsibility of a few individuals, but a shared responsibility. From security forces, local government, to the wider community, everyone has an important role to play. This collaboration needs to be built with a collective awareness that regional elections are not just about choosing leaders, but also about preserving the unity of the nation.
Let’s make the 2024 regional elections a moment to strengthen unity and show that differences in political choices can be a source of strength, not division. By respecting each other and working together, we can create a democratic celebration that is not only successful in its execution but also memorable as a peaceful and dignified local election.
Political Observer at Gala Indomedia Institute