By: Andi Ramli*
The simultaneous regional elections in 2024 are approaching rapidly, stirring various emotions among the public. From enthusiasm to skepticism, each individual has their own perspective on this democratic process. However, one thing that must not be forgotten is the importance of active participation in voting.
The regional elections are not just a formality, but a crucial moment that will determine the future of the region. Therefore, the public is urged to reject abstaining from voting and to work together to realize a quality regional election. By not choosing, we are actually handing over the fate of the region to the choices of others, and that is a significant loss.
The Head of the National Unity and Political Agency (Kesbangpol) of East Kalimantan, Sufian Agus, emphasized the importance of public participation in the 2024 regional elections. He invites all citizens to come to the polling station (TPS) on November 27, 2024, and exercise their voting rights.
According to Sufian, the voting rights of the people of East Kalimantan are the key to determining the region’s future. Moreover, he hopes that public participation in this year’s regional elections will be higher compared to the elections last February, as evidence that the political awareness of the community is increasing.
In addition to encouraging the use of voting rights, Sufian Agus also warned the public about the increasing threat of fake news on social media ahead of the regional elections. He reminds the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information.
The proliferation of hoaxes has the potential to undermine the democratic process and create confusion among the public. Therefore, he urged all citizens to be more critical in filtering information and not to indiscriminately spread news that has not been verified for its accuracy.
The importance of countering hoaxes in the democratic process cannot be overlooked. As one of the government’s efforts, regulations regarding the spread of false news have been established in Law Number 19 of 2016 concerning amendments to Law Number 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE). With this regulation, those who spread hoaxes can face imprisonment as a form of strict sanctions against parties attempting to undermine a healthy democratic process.
A similar sentiment was expressed by a member of the Central Kalimantan Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Sirajul Rahman, who urged the public not to abstain from voting in the 2024 regional elections. He emphasized that exercising the right to vote is a vital element in the democratic process.
Through local elections, the community plays a direct role in determining the direction of their regional development. Sirajul Rahman reminds that by abstaining from voting, the community is actually harming itself by not taking the opportunity to choose leaders who can represent their interests.
As a citizen, participation in elections is not just a right, but also a duty. By voting, each individual contributes to ensuring that the elected leaders are capable of fulfilling their duties and meeting the aspirations of the community.
Sirajul emphasized that every vote holds significant value in determining who will lead and manage regional development for the next five years. Therefore, he invites the entire community not to waste their voting rights and to ensure that the choices they make align with the needs and hopes of the people.
On the other hand, a member of the Gunung Mas Regional House of Representatives, Charles Frengki, also reminded the importance of massive socialization to the public about the significance of participating in the regional elections. I urge the sub-district government, village officials, and neighborhood leaders to participate in encouraging the community not to abstain from voting.
Charles emphasized that the stages of the regional elections must be thoroughly socialized, both through formal and informal activities, such as meetings at the sub-district, village, or other community gatherings.
According to Charles, the success of the 2024 regional elections is closely tied to the participation of all elements of society. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the government and the community in creating a peaceful, safe, and smooth atmosphere for the regional elections.
Furthermore, Charles reminded local leaders such as sub-district heads, village heads, and village chiefs to remain neutral and not get involved in practical politics. He emphasized that as public servants, they must maintain integrity and perform their duties and functions well, in order to create satisfactory public service.
In the end, the regional elections are an important moment that will determine the direction of regional development. With active participation, we can ensure that the elected leaders truly represent the interests and aspirations of the community.
The community must realize that abstaining from voting is not a solution. By not exercising our right to vote, we lose the opportunity to choose leaders who truly care about the welfare of the community and regional development. Conversely, by actively participating, we ensure that the future of this region is in the hands of the right leaders who can implement programs that favor the people.
Let us all reject abstaining from voting and together ensure the success of the 2024 regional elections. Come to the polling station, exercise your right to vote, and ensure that our voices contribute to shaping the future of East Kalimantan. Thus, we can realize quality and democratic regional elections, as well as create a better future for the next generation.
Our choice in this upcoming regional election will greatly determine the direction of regional development and the welfare of the community in the next five years. Don’t waste this opportunity, reject apathy, and be a part of the change.
*) National Political Analysis – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum