By : Maya Naura Lingga )*
The public is asked to always maintain a conducive situation ahead of the Regional Head Election (Pilkada), especially regarding issues of ethnicity, religion, race and intergroup (SARA). This responsibility does not only belong to the government, security forces or the media, but is a shared responsibility of all elements of society.
All parties need to work together and maintain a conducive situation ahead of the Pilkada, including journalists. In this regard, the Singkawang Journalist Alliance (Ajusi) played a key role in strengthening this awareness by holding the “Coffee Together in the Year of Democracy” event. This event is not only a forum for media personnel to increase literacy in carrying out their duties, but also a momentum to remind them of the importance of prioritizing the principles of journalistic ethics, especially amidst increasingly complex political dynamics.
The presence of various important figures, such as the Singkawang Police Chief, KPU Chair, Bawaslu Chair, and social media activists, shows a shared commitment to realizing peaceful regional elections free from hoaxes and hate speech.
Singkawang Police Chief, AKBP Fatchur Rochman, firmly emphasized the importance of collaboration to maintain the security situation ahead of and during the 2024 Pilkada. The anticipatory steps taken, such as the deployment of sufficient security personnel and the hope that the media will provide positive coverage, show the commitment of the security forces in ensuring smooth democratic process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Singkawang KPU, Khairul Abror, highlighted the important role of the media in disseminating correct information and helping voters to make the right decisions.
At the national level, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) also emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the digital space to support simultaneous regional elections which take place peacefully and responsibly.
Concrete steps have been taken, such as amplifying the 2024 Peaceful Pilkada narrative through social media, synergy with partners for outreach, and collaboration with mass media in presenting positive information. This shows that the government also plays a role in ensuring the integrity and quality of the regional election process.
However, challenges are not only limited to the national level, but also at the regional level. Sumbawa Regency Bawaslu, for example, took strategic steps to ensure that the regional elections ran without interference from hoaxes.
Collaboration with various parties, including social media activists, youth organization activists, students and journalists, shows a shared commitment to maintaining conduciveness during the Pilkada process. This is very important to keep sensitive issues away and ensure focus on real development programs.
In Maluku, political elites also voiced their commitment to welcoming the Pilkada peacefully and without taking advantage of SARA issues. The message of peace and brotherhood conveyed by the Maluku Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Lotharia Latif, invited all parties, especially candidates and successful teams, to maintain the integrity of political competition.
The public needs to be invited to jointly oversee the democratic process with full responsibility, refrain from spreading incorrect information, and maintain the digital space as a positive means for conveying constructive information and opinions.
Synergy and shared values will be the main keys in realizing the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada as a positive milestone in the history of Indonesian democracy.
Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion (IPO), Dedi Kurnia Syah, also gave his views regarding the increasing production of hoaxes on social media ahead of the Pilkada. In this context, the anti-hoax movement and preventive measures carried out by the Ministry of Communication and Information together with the National Police are very important to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the democratic process.
All parties, without exception, need to be committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of the regional election process. Dialogue, cooperation and active participation from all levels of society must continue to be encouraged to create civilized regional elections that respect differences and have dignity. In carrying out the democratic process, all parties have their respective roles and responsibilities.
The government, as the holder of power and state administrator, is responsible for creating adequate regulations and ensuring the security and smooth implementation of the Pilkada. Security forces, such as the police and army, have a vital role in maintaining order and security during the Pilkada process, as well as anticipating potential conflicts that could arise.
On the other hand, mass media and journalists have a very important role in providing accurate, balanced and balanced information to the public. They have the power to shape public opinion and influence people’s attitudes and behavior in a political context. Therefore, maintaining independence, integrity and professionalism in carrying out journalistic duties is crucial in maintaining the quality of democracy.
Maintaining the integrity and quality of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Election process requires commitment and cooperation from all parties. Be it the government, security forces, mass media, or the wider community, all must play an active role in maintaining a healthy and dignified democracy.
With concrete steps and high awareness of the importance of maintaining democracy, it is hoped that the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada can take place peacefully, fairly, and produce quality leaders who are able to represent the interests of society as a whole.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara