Bandung – The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) was held on October 27, 2024. Differences in political choices and polarization during the Pilkada process are not good things to continue. Social stability and harmony after the 2024 Pilkada must be maintained. Therefore, efforts to strengthen social integration after the 2024 Pilkada are very important for various elements of society.
Police Public Relations Officer Level II of the Police Public Relations Division Brigadier General Saptono Erlangga Waskitoroso said that the regional elections are an important moment in democracy. However, regional elections often cause social polarization that can affect regional stability, including in West Java.
“For that, we all need to be involved in the integration of the nation’s children involving the government, society, religious leaders, and stakeholders,” said Brigadier General Pol Erlangga.
Brigadier General Pol Erlangga said that post-election, reconciliation and strengthening national values are the keys to restoring social relations and rebuilding public trust in democracy.
Meanwhile, Professor of Guidance and Counseling at the Faculty of Education, Indonesian University of Education, Prof. Dr. Uman Suherman, emphasized the importance of Pancasila Democracy as a foundation for managing social and cultural diversity in West Java.
“Diversity is our strength and Pancasila is a way to celebrate differences without destroying social harmony,” said Prof. Uman.
Prof. Uman said that diversity in society, whether in terms of religion, place of origin, customs, or socio-economic status, is a potential that must be managed well to create a more peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous society. Peace is not only about the absence of conflict, but also the awareness to respect each other.
“If we all understand and practice the principles of Pancasila, then the social integration we dream of can be realized,” said Prof. Uman.
He said that the dimension of human peace involves moral awareness, responsibility, and understanding of one’s own limitations, which ultimately leads to respect for others.
Lecturer of Constitutional Law at Padjajaran University, Dr. Mei Susanto said that revitalizing Pancasila values through technology-based education needs to be implemented to target the younger generation. “The younger generation who are very familiar with the digital world need a relevant approach so that they can understand and practice the noble values of Pancasila in everyday life,” said Dr. Mei.
In addition, Dr Mei said it is also important to understand that democracy must be more than just a voting process. “Democracy is not just about the majority of votes, but about justice and truth that can accommodate diversity, guarantee minority rights, and encourage reconciliation among differences,” said Dr Mei.
Meanwhile, communication practitioner, Dr Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, said that understanding the dynamics of the Election Vulnerability Index (IKP) is important in building unity in society.
“It is important for us to understand the IKP, because this is an indicator that provides an overview of the potential vulnerabilities that can occur after the regional elections. Such as social polarization, the spread of hoaxes, and physical threats,” said Dr. Dadang.
Dr Dadang said, a healthy communication narrative will greatly help in creating social stability after the Pilkada. “The communication narrative that we build must reflect the values of unity,” said Dr Dadang.
According to Dr. Dadang, if the narrative that develops is mutually respectful and encourages reconciliation, the potential for conflict can be minimized. “Social media has an important role in shaping this narrative, because teenagers, especially Gen Z and Alpha, are very influenced by trends that develop in cyberspace,” said Dr. Dadang.
Collaboration between government, society, and media to create an inclusive and constructive dialogue space. In the digital era, adolescent behavior is greatly influenced by social media. Social media provides a space for adolescents to seek identity and find peer group acceptance. This is what shapes their behavior, including in terms of choosing leaders or responding to the election process.
Therefore, Dr Dadang encouraged that strategic communication based on the values of unity and tolerance must continue to be strengthened among the younger generation.