By : Sabrina Aulia )*
Security forces ranging from the Indonesian National Army (TNI), Police, to the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) are committed to maintaining their neutrality during the 2024 regional elections. With this commitment, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections will run safely and smoothly.
Neutrality is the key to ensuring the democratic process runs fairly and transparently. When all parties act neutrally, public confidence in the results of the regional elections will increase. This also helps prevent conflict and tension that could arise due to dissatisfaction with the election process.
Like previous elections, this Pilkada is also inseparable from rising political temperatures. In this context, the neutrality of the security forces is very crucial to ensure that the democratic process runs honestly, fairly and peacefully.
The neutrality of the security forces, whether Polri, BIN or TNI, is the main pillar in maintaining stability during the election period. Neutral security forces will prevent intimidation, ensure security, and maintain public trust.
The increasing political temperature ahead of the regional elections often creates various challenges for security forces, including political pressure, negative campaigns and hoaxes, as well as conflicts of interest.
The stages of implementing the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) began in May. To maintain integrity and professionalism, the North Maluku Regional Police reminded all members of the National Police to remain neutral and not get involved in practical politics during the Pilkada process.
Head of Public Relations of the North Maluku Police, AKBP Bambang Suharyono, SIK, MH, emphasized the importance of the neutrality of Polri members in accordance with established regulations. The neutrality of Polri members is regulated in Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police, article 13 letters a, b, c, which regulates the main duties of the National Police and article 28 paragraphs 1 and 2 concerning the neutrality of the National Police.
Apart from maintaining neutrality, the role of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) is an important factor in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the election process. The neutrality of ASN not only influences the course of the regional elections, but also influences public confidence in the election results.
Acting Mayor of Bogor, Hery Antasari emphasized that ASN who are still active should not try to be politically affiliated or support any candidate for mayor and deputy mayor. ASN must maintain neutrality properly. In fact, not only ASN, those in BUMD must also be neutral. He said that neutrality is the most important thing in holding regional elections. This must be maintained and ensure that it happens.
If ASN is involved, of course there is a mechanism regarding what sanctions will be given to them. Moreover, when it has entered the campaign stage, Bawaslu will take steps to collect data and so on.
Separately, the Chairperson of Bogor City Bawaslu, Herdiyatna, revealed that currently Bawaslu cannot take action against ASNs who are involved in politics, because their authority still lies with the Bogor City Government. They can only take action or check when the campaign stage begins. Then, regarding what sanctions are given to ASN if they are involved or violate it during the campaign stage, Bawaslu will examine and provide recommendations to the competent authorities.
Apart from internal efforts by ASN, the role of the community and media is also very important in maintaining ASN’s neutrality. The public must actively report if they find any indication of non-neutrality. The media must remain independent and objective in reporting on ASN activities and the political situation that occurs.
Maintaining the neutrality of ASN ahead of the 2024 Pilkada is a challenging but very important task to ensure the democratic process runs well. By maintaining neutrality, ASN plays a major role in creating a healthy and fair democratic climate. Through the right strategy, strict supervision, and cooperation between ASN, the community and the media, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections can run smoothly and produce quality leaders in accordance with the will of the people.
Apart from that, the neutrality of security forces ahead of the 2024 regional elections is a challenging but very important task. By maintaining neutrality, security forces play a major role in creating a healthy and peaceful democratic climate. Through the right strategy, strict supervision, and cooperation between security forces, the public, and the media, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections can run smoothly and produce quality leaders in accordance with the will of the people.
Apart from the security forces and ASN themselves, the public and the media also have an important role in maintaining neutrality. The public must actively report if they find any indication of non-neutrality. The media must remain independent and objective in reporting on the security situation and apparatus activities.
The simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada) in 2024 is a crucial moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey. With political temperatures tending to rise, maintaining neutrality in various sectors is very important.
)* The author is a political observer