By: Ahmad Susilo
The 2024 Pilkada is an important moment for the Indonesian nation in continuing the tradition of healthy and just democracy. Since the implementation of regional autonomy, regional head elections (Pilkada) have become one of the real manifestations of direct democracy in Indonesia. The community has the opportunity to elect leaders at the local level, from governors, mayors, to regents, who are believed to be able to bring change and progress to their regions. However, behind the importance of the Pilkada, there are major challenges in its implementation, especially related to security and the quality of democracy which is expected to be maintained.
Appreciation should be given to the various parties who have worked hard to ensure that the 2024 Pilkada runs smoothly, safely, and democratically. Both from the government, security forces, to the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) who continue to strive to organize the Pilkada in accordance with existing regulations.
Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, has emphasized that the government is ready to fully support the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada, both in terms of budget, infrastructure, and human resources. Tito emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments in ensuring that the Pilkada can be implemented simultaneously throughout Indonesia without significant obstacles. In addition, his party also ensured that the security forces, both the TNI and Polri, are ready to secure the Pilkada in order to create conducive conditions.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining security for the 2024 Pilkada. According to him, the potential for security disturbances, ranging from provocation to SARA issues, will be the main focus of the police. General Listyo said that the police together with the TNI will take various preventive steps to prevent conflicts that could disrupt the smooth running of the Pilkada. With a more humane, yet firm approach, the authorities are expected to be able to ensure that the public continues to feel safe during the campaign period, voting, and the announcement of the results.
Not only in terms of security, the KPU as an institution responsible for organizing the Pilkada also deserves appreciation. The Chairman of the KPU, Mochammad Afifuddin, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in every stage of the Pilkada. According to Mochammad Afifuddin, the KPU has made various technical preparations, including ensuring that the distribution of election logistics, candidate verification, and the preparation of the permanent voter list (DPT) run smoothly. The KPU also continues to innovate by using information technology to facilitate access for voters, including anticipating technical problems that may occur.
Meanwhile, Bawaslu Chairman Rahmat Bagja emphasized the importance of the role of supervision in maintaining the quality of democracy. Bawaslu, together with supervisors at the provincial, city, and district levels, will carry out strict supervision of various potential violations, including money politics and fraud in the election process. According to Rahmat, violations such as these not only harm certain candidates, but also harm democracy itself. Therefore, Bawaslu is committed to taking firm action against any violations found in order to ensure justice for all Pilkada participants.
Political observer from LIPI, Prof. Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, appreciates the steps taken by the government and KPU in preparing for the 2024 Pilkada. According to him, one of the biggest challenges in this Pilkada is how to ensure that the democratic process continues to run well, without any pressure or intimidation against voters. Siti also suggested that the government, security forces, and election organizers pay more attention to areas with high potential for conflict, so that the security and integrity of the election are maintained.
In addition, the community is also expected to play an active role in maintaining the conduciveness of the Pilkada. According to Siti, community participation does not only stop at using the right to vote, but also in overseeing the course of the Pilkada as a whole. The community is expected not to get caught up in identity politics or be influenced by hoax news that can damage the democratic process.
From the perspective of the community, appreciation should also be given to those who maintain a critical but constructive attitude in the Pilkada. The active role of the community in providing input to election organizers, security forces, and the government is very important. The community also has the right to monitor so that there are no dirty practices in the Pilkada, such as money politics and the spread of slander that will only harm the democratic process.
Although various efforts have been made to ensure that the regional elections run safely and democratically, challenges remain. One of the biggest challenges is how to maintain high voter participation amidst the dynamic socio-political situation. The Chairman of the Indonesian KPU, Mochammad Afifuddin, said that voter participation is one of the indicators of the success of the regional elections. Therefore, the KPU continues to promote socialization to the community, especially groups of new voters and areas that have limited access to information.
In addition, the threat of money politics and fraud also still haunts the Pilkada in several regions. For this reason, collaboration between the community, election organizers, security forces, and other stakeholders is very important. As expressed by Rahmat Bagja, Chairman of Bawaslu, strict supervision and firm action against Pilkada violations are the key to maintaining the integrity of the election.
The 2024 Pilkada is a major test for Indonesian democracy. With the hard work of the government, security forces, KPU, Bawaslu, and active participation of the community, it is hoped that the Pilkada can run safely and democratically. Appreciation and support need to continue to be given to all parties involved in organizing this Pilkada. Major challenges, ranging from security to voter participation, require commitment and cooperation from various parties so that the Pilkada can be a reflection of a healthy, inclusive, and just democracy.
*) Political observer from Jakarta State University