By: Sabrina Aulia
A peaceful and democratic regional head election (Pilkada) not only ensures that the election process runs fairly, but also maintains social harmony in the community. When local elections are conducted peacefully, the risk of conflict and chaos can be minimized. This is considered important by President Jokowi’s administration because high political tension can damage relationships among citizens and disrupt regional stability.
A healthy democracy requires space for various political aspirations. A democratic regional election allows each candidate to freely convey their vision and mission, without any pressure or intimidation. The people should also be given the freedom to choose according to their conscience without any undue influence. Thus, the results of the regional elections will reflect the true will of the people.
One of the key factors in ensuring a peaceful and democratic regional election is to enhance the public’s understanding of the electoral process. Effective voter education will help the community understand the importance of their voting rights and how to choose the right candidates. With adequate knowledge, voters will be better able to make rational decisions and avoid manipulation.
The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Information, continues to urge the Indonesian public, especially voters in the 2024 Peaceful Regional Elections, to be smart voters by not falling for hoax information, let alone spreading hoaxes or other negative content.
In 2024, the Indonesian nation will hold a democratic festivity, namely the simultaneous elections for President and Vice President (Presidential Election) and the legislative elections (Legislative Election) to choose members of the House of Representatives, Regional Representative Council, provincial Regional House of Representatives, and district/city Regional House of Representatives, which will take place on February 14, 2024, along with the elections for regional heads and their deputies (Regional Election) in November 2024.
This is a special opportunity for the nation and state of Indonesia to realize a quality democratic life so that the positive outcomes over the next five years can be enjoyed by all members of society without exception.
The percentage of voters categorized as young voters, based on the Permanent Voter List for the 2024 elections released by the General Election Commission (KPU) of Indonesia, reaches approximately 52 percent of 204,807,222 voters in Indonesia.
The large number of young voters in the 2024 elections presents a unique challenge for the election organizers, where the current issues include not only the low level of knowledge and understanding of young voters regarding politics but also the likelihood of facing the rampant spread of hoaxes on social media.
Elections are a celebration of democracy, a festivity of vibrancy, so it is only fitting that the Indonesian people become intelligent voters by exercising their voting rights wisely and forming opinions thoughtfully as well.
The spreaders of hoaxes only want to deceive the public. So choose according to your own preferences, but always respect and appreciate the choices of others. Don’t let chaos happen, especially not inciting it. (sebar hoaks). Because whoever is chosen is certainly for the good and progress of this nation and country.
All parties are urged to commit to realizing a peaceful local election. A peaceful regional election can only be achieved by strengthening unity and solidarity among all elements of society. Maintaining cohesion, collaboration, and synergy among all parties involved on the ground.
As the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections approach, religious leaders, community figures, and other elements of society are urging the people of Karawang Regency to maintain the stability of public order and safety.
Religious figure, Ustad Asep Somantri, as the Kamtibmas preacher from the Cikampek Police Sector in Cikampek District, Karawang, invites the community of Cikampek Sub-district, Karawang Regency, to ensure the success of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections in a safe and peaceful manner.
The community is urged to maintain unity and not to be easily provoked by false issues, hoax news, and it is hoped that there will be no anarchic demonstrations aimed at disrupting unity and public order during the democratic festivities of the simultaneous regional elections in 2024, which should be peaceful.
Community participation in the electoral process is very important to ensure that the elections run smoothly. Community involvement in monitoring, discussions, and public dialogue can help create a more democratic atmosphere and reduce the potential for conflict. The community must also be proactive in reporting any forms of violations or actions that undermine the integrity of the local elections.
A peaceful and democratic local election is an important foundation for a healthy and stable democratic system. All parties, from the government, election agencies, candidates, to the public, have a responsibility to ensure that the regional election process runs smoothly. By following the steps mentioned above, we can together create local elections that are not only fair but also harmonious and sustainable.
Let us all commit to maintaining integrity and peace at every stage of the regional elections, for the sake of a better democratic future and a more prosperous society.
The writer is a domestic political observer.