By: Sraya Pramitha )*
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) have been completed throughout Indonesia, leaving behind a number of political dynamics that occurred during the campaign and election process. Although differences in political choices have colored the Pilkada journey, now is the time to end the division and prioritize unity for the common welfare.
As part of efforts to realize peace after the regional elections, the community is expected to unite again, maintain stability, and support the government in accelerating regional development. This is an important momentum for the Indonesian nation to build a better future.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, who is also the General Chair of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), emphasized the importance of re-establishing unity after the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. Although the political campaigns and debates that took place were quite fierce, the main goal of all elements of the nation was to bring their respective regions towards progress and prosperity.
Despite differences in political choices, the people must view the results of the Pilkada as part of a healthy and mature democratic process. Therefore, the people are asked to end their differences and focus on developing their respective regions with a spirit of togetherness.
The importance of maintaining unity after the regional elections was also conveyed by the Indonesian National Police. Karo PID of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Tjahyono Saputro, that the National Police is committed to continuing to maintain security stability through cooling system operations that continue after the regional elections.
This cooling system operation involves various elements of society, such as religious leaders, traditional leaders, and community leaders, whose task is to reduce potential conflict and ensure that all levels of society can accept and respect the results of the elections and regional elections.
The police also tried to prevent polarization and provocation that could worsen the post-election atmosphere. This was done by inviting the public to maintain unity, avoid conflict, and maintain social stability and security in their respective areas.
One of the efforts made by the National Police in supporting the creation of peace after the regional elections is the formation of the Nusantara Cooling System Task Force . This task force has the task of preventing polarization and raising awareness of the importance of diversity. By collaborating with community and religious leaders, this task force works to promote a safe, peaceful, and smooth regional election, as well as ensuring that the democratic process runs with full responsibility and maturity.
The National Police also emphasized that even if there is a dispute or dissatisfaction with the results of the Pilkada, the community must prioritize the appropriate legal path and avoid actions that could increase tensions. All parties are urged to respect the applicable legal system in order to maintain peace in society.
On the other hand, academic and political expert, Prof. Sri Yunanto, assessed that the Simultaneous Regional Elections are a moment to strengthen communication and brotherhood between citizens. He emphasized that differences in political choices during the campaign period are part of a healthy democratic process. Therefore, even though there are parties who lose or win in the Regional Elections, all parties must support the elected leader to work for the common interest.
All parties involved in the Pilkada, both participants and supporters, are urged to avoid provocation or hate speech that could worsen the situation. If anyone feels disadvantaged or there is fraud in the Pilkada process, he suggests using the available legal channels, such as filing a report to Bawaslu or the Constitutional Court, rather than taking steps that could worsen the situation.
From various parties involved in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, both the government, the National Police, and civil society, all agree that post-Regional Election is the right time to reunite. A healthy democratic process does involve differences, but in the end, unity is the key to building a more advanced nation.
Every element of society must work together to maintain peace, build togetherness, and support the government’s efforts in building the region and the country. The first step that must be taken is to end all existing differences, accept the results of the regional elections with an open heart, and move forward to realize a more prosperous Indonesia.
The government itself continues to be committed to ensuring that development throughout Indonesia continues to run according to plan, both in terms of infrastructure, social welfare, and other programs that directly affect people’s lives.
With maintained stability, development at the regional level is expected to run more effectively, and national programs can be implemented well. This is also important to create a sense of security and comfort for all levels of society, and to ensure that Indonesia can achieve its goals as a prosperous, just, and prosperous country.
As a large and diverse country, Indonesia needs to continue to maintain diversity and instill the values of unity in every aspect of life. The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections may have created some differences, but they should not be a barrier to achieving common goals.
Ending the dispute and uniting forces is an important step to realize a better Indonesia, and this is a shared responsibility of all elements of the nation. Only by working together, maintaining unity, and supporting the government, can the ideals of progress and peace be perfectly realized.