JAKARTA – The 2024 simultaneous regional head election (Pilkada) process is getting closer, and the active role of the community in creating a conducive atmosphere during the Pilkada stages is very crucial. The active role of the community in maintaining the conduciveness of the Pilkada is very important, both by actively participating in supervision and by maintaining calm amid differences in political choices. The Head of the Bali Province Bawaslu, I Putu Agus Tirta Suguna, SH., said that community involvement is the key to maintaining order, security, and peace during the Pilkada.
“We always invite the public to participate in monitoring and supervising the stages of the Pilkada. The limited human resources in Bawaslu, especially at the village and TPS levels, make us really need synergy with various parties, including the community,” said Tirta Suguna. With this synergy, it is hoped that the Pilkada can run smoothly in accordance with the rules that have been set.
According to him, with solid collaboration between the community and related institutions, the regional elections can run smoothly in accordance with the established rules, so that they can reflect the principles of honest and fair democracy.
In addition to monitoring, the public is also urged to be careful in spreading information. Tirta Suguna reminded that information in the digital era is easily spread widely, so it is important not to spread hoaxes and hate speech that can trigger conflict. The public is expected to spread messages of unity and educational content, especially on social media, to maintain calm during the Pilkada period.
Bawaslu Bali also provides convenience for the public who want to report potential violations. “There are two reporting mechanisms, namely coming directly to the Bawaslu office or via email and the Sigaplapor system. We will keep the reporter’s identity confidential, so the public does not need to worry about reporting violations,” he added.
In Takengon, Central Aceh, the Chief of Police AKBP Dody Indra Eka Putra also appealed to the public to maintain security ahead of the Pilkada. In the dawn safari activity at the Ruhama Mosque in Takengon, AKBP Dody invited the congregation to respect differences in choice and not be easily influenced by negative things that could damage the peaceful atmosphere.
“When voting on November 27, use your right to vote with conscience. Don’t let differences in choice ruin our togetherness,” said AKBP Dody.
Community involvement in maintaining the conduciveness of the Pilkada is very important, both by actively participating in supervision and by maintaining calm amid differences in political choices. Thus, the community becomes the vanguard in creating a peaceful, orderly Pilkada, and in accordance with the principles of democracy.