By : Arkhan Gani *
The 2025 simultaneous regional election dispute hearing is one of the important moments in Indonesia’s democratic journey. As a mechanism that ensures fairness in the election process, the continuation of this hearing requires full support from various parties, including the security forces (Apkam), to ensure smoothness and order.
The Constitutional Court (MK) has scheduled the first hearing of the Pilkada Results Dispute (PHP) on January 8, 2025. Before that, the Constitutional Case Registration Book (BRPK) will be announced on January 3, 2025 to provide clarity on which regions will face disputes. Thorough preparations have been made by the MK, including a preparatory briefing involving various elements such as the Secretary General of the MK Heru Setiawan, Pangdam Jaya Maj. Gen. TNI Rafael Granada Baay, and the Chief of Metro Jaya Police Inspector General Karyoto. This shows the MK’s serious commitment to dealing with Pilkada disputes.
Heru Setiawan emphasized the importance of security as a key element to ensure the trial runs smoothly until it is completed on March 11, 2025. This step shows how serious the Constitutional Court is in creating a safe, orderly, and professional trial atmosphere, in line with the principles of democracy and justice. The support of security forces is absolute to create conducive conditions, both in the courtroom and in disputed areas.
Meanwhile, a member of the General Election Commission (KPU), Iffa Rosita has asked the KPU at the provincial and district/city levels to prepare themselves comprehensively. One of the steps emphasized is the preparation of the chronology of the Pilkada stages in each region. This step will help in the legal assistance process and be a strong basis in facing lawsuits at the Constitutional Court. This preparation shows that the KPU understands the importance of mitigation and a quick response to potential disputes that arise.
On the other hand, the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) also plays an active role in supporting the smooth running of dispute trials. The report on the results of supervision during the Pilkada stages is an important document that will be used in the trial process. Bawaslu Chairman Rahmat Bagja ensured that his party had completed supervision in various regions, including areas with potential for conflict such as Central Papua. This effort is real evidence of Bawaslu’s contribution in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
The commitment of security forces is one of the key elements in supporting the Pilkada dispute trial. Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Karyoto emphasized the importance of carrying out tasks professionally and oriented towards public service. Meanwhile, Central Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro reminded all personnel to maintain good communication in the field and ensure neutrality while on duty. This step reflects that the security forces are ready to carry out their duties with full responsibility.
Securing the dispute hearings is not only carried out in the Constitutional Court Building, but also in areas facing disputes. Head of the Constitutional Court’s General Bureau Budi Wijayanto said that the police have appointed a person in charge in each area to ensure that security runs smoothly. A total of 90 personnel have been prepared to monitor and handle the trial process in various regions, from Aceh to Papua. In addition, the Constitutional Court will also add security personnel to its building in January 2025, strengthen access control, and complete equipment to anticipate security risks.
Cooperation between various parties, starting from the Constitutional Court, KPU, Bawaslu, to the security forces, is an important foundation in ensuring that the Pilkada dispute process runs smoothly. The strategic steps taken, starting from administrative preparation to field security, reflect a strong commitment to maintaining justice and the stability of democracy in Indonesia. All of these elements are expected to be able to create a conducive atmosphere, so that the final results of the Pilkada dispute can be accepted by all parties.
In a situation like this, society also has an important role to play in maintaining peace and not easilyah provoked by issues that can trigger conflict. Community participation in creating a peaceful atmosphere is an inseparable part of joint efforts to strengthen democracy. With the cooperation of all parties, the 2025 simultaneous Pilkada dispute hearing can be a momentum to strengthen the election system and maintain national stability.
Solid support from security forces, thorough preparation from related institutions, and public awareness are the main keys to the success of resolving Pilkada disputes. This also shows that Indonesia is able to handle the challenges of democracy in a peaceful, fair, and dignified manner. The 2025 simultaneous Pilkada dispute trial is not just a legal process, but also real evidence of a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of the nation.
*The author is a contributor to the Jendela Baca Institute