By: Putri Kemala )*
Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) are one of the key elements in a democratic system that provides an opportunity for citizens to choose their local leaders. However, in order for Pilkada to run well and produce truly representative leaders, joint efforts are needed from various parties to ensure the process is clean, fair, and transparent.
The General Election Commission (KPU) as the election organizer has the primary responsibility to ensure that the regional elections run in accordance with applicable regulations. The KPU must work transparently in every stage of the election, from planning, implementation, to vote counting. Enforcing clear regulations and policies is essential to prevent fraudulent practices and manipulation that can damage the democratic process.
Following up on the circular from the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) and the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) regarding the importance of implementing peaceful elections for the election of governor, deputy governor, mayor, and deputy mayor in Tual City, the Tual City General Election Commission (KPU) plans a strategic collaboration with the Tual City PWI. This initiative aims to ensure that the election process can take place safely, peacefully, and well-organized.
The Head of the Tual City KPU, Muttaqin Ali Renhoran, together with the Head of the Data and Information Planning Division, Ali Rahayaan, and the Secretary of the KPU, Aziz Saleh, revealed this plan after receiving a visit from the Tual City PWI. The meeting was an important moment in building synergy between the KPU and PWI to support a peaceful election campaign ahead of the upcoming Pilkada.
In the meeting of the KPU and PWI of Tual City, Renhoran emphasized that cooperation between the KPU and PWI is very important to publicize various activities and stages of the Pilkada implementation in Tual City. Renhoran hopes that this cooperation will not only facilitate the delivery of information to the public but also motivate all parties to participate in maintaining order and peace during the election process.
Renhoran also expressed his hope that the KPU can work together effectively with the PWI which has a significant role in the media in Tual City. Renhoran emphasized that the role of the media is very crucial in disseminating accurate information and educating the public about the importance of peaceful elections. This cooperation is expected to raise the spirit of peaceful elections through various communication channels, including social media and socialization activities with the community.
Furthermore, Renhoran hopes that with the support of the media, the KPU can carry out its duties better in organizing safe and peaceful elections. This support is very important to ensure that the people of Tual City can participate in the democratic process with a sense of security and comfort. The cooperation between the KPU and PWI is expected to be a good example in the implementation of elections at the regional level and contribute to the creation of a conducive election environment throughout the region.
On the other hand, Cirebon Regency recently held a Coordination Meeting of the 2024 Pilkada Desk Team with the aim of ensuring the smooth implementation of the democratic party and encouraging active community participation.
The 2024 Pilkada Desk Team Coordination Meeting aims to unify views, strengthen strategies, and improve cooperation between various institutions involved in organizing the Pilkada in Cirebon Regency. The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Cirebon Regency, Dr. H Hilmy Riva’i MPd, explained that this meeting is an important step to ensure that all stages of the Pilkada in Cirebon Regency can be carried out properly.
Among the topics discussed was the implementation of effective strategies to increase voter participation at polling stations (TPS) during the 2024 Pilkada. Hilmy emphasized the importance of increasing active community participation, considering that in the 2018 Pilkada and the 2024 Election, the voter participation rate only reached 72 percent.
Hilmy hopes that this participation can increase in the upcoming simultaneous Pilkada to ensure the election of the best leader for Cirebon Regency. Hilmy also highlighted the importance of early detection of potential vulnerabilities, especially in terms of security. This coordination meeting is considered the right opportunity to build synergy and collaboration with all parties so that the Pilkada runs safely, as in the previous Election.
Assistant for Government and Public Welfare of Cirebon Regency, Drs. H Mochamad Syafrudin, added that this coordination meeting is an important moment to ensure the readiness and smooth implementation of the Pilkada. According to Syafrudin, the Pilkada is a real manifestation of democracy that requires thorough preparation both in terms of structure and system. Syafrudin hopes that this meeting can be the first step to ensure that the 2024 Pilkada in Cirebon Regency can run smoothly and successfully, reflect the maturity of democracy, and involve active participation from all elements of society.
Building a clean and transparent Pilkada requires active collaboration from all parties involved. The KPU, media, and the public must work together to ensure that the election process takes place with integrity and in accordance with democratic principles. Through this joint effort, it is hoped that the Pilkada can produce quality and representative leaders, and strengthen public trust in the democratic system.
)* Political Observer, Semarang State University