By: Ricky Simanungkalit )*
In an increasingly mature era of democracy, the responsibility to maintain stability and security during the regional head election process (Pilkada) is not only in the hands of the government and security forces, but also all elements of society. Active participation of the community is the main key to creating a safe and peaceful Pilkada.
By upholding the spirit of mutual cooperation, community involvement is expected to be able to reduce the potential for conflict that often arises in democratic celebrations. Not only just exercising their right to vote, the community is also expected to be the guardian of integrity and peace, and to play an active role in making the 2024 Pilkada a success.
The entire Pilkada process is a reflection of the quality of democracy implemented in Indonesia, especially in areas that are the center of attention such as East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan.
There, various elements of society have agreed to jointly maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere for the sake of sustainable development. This commitment was not only conveyed by the government, but also supported by community, religious, traditional, and youth figures who realized the importance of maintaining stability during the Pilkada period.
Regional Secretary of East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, Fajrurrahman, emphasized that the regional elections are an important moment in democracy, where every citizen has the right to choose a leader who is able to bring progress to their region.
However, often this moment has the potential to cause political tension that can threaten the unity and integrity of society. Therefore, cross-sector public discussions and peace declarations held in East Kotawaringin are very important.
The event involved various elements, starting from the General Election Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), community leaders, to representatives of community organizations. This declaration is not just a ceremony, but a real manifestation of a shared commitment to ensure that the Pilkada runs safely, peacefully, and orderly.
Fajrurrahman also emphasized that this peace declaration must be a starting point for society to prioritize common interests above all personal and group interests. Each party is expected to be able to act wisely in responding to the developing political dynamics, avoiding provocative actions, slander, and hate speech that can trigger horizontal conflict.
The regional elections are not an event to bring each other down, but a moment to choose the best leader who is able to bring progress to East Kotawaringin Regency.
Kotim Police Chief, AKBP Resky Maulana Zulkarnain, also gave a similar view. According to him, the involvement of all elements of society, including religious and traditional leaders, is very important in maintaining a conducive situation during the Pilkada. They are expected to be the spearhead who are able to provide an example for the community, as well as assist the police in maintaining public security and order (kamtibmas).
As a law enforcement agency, the police cannot work alone. Support from various parties is needed to create a cool and peaceful atmosphere during the Pilkada process. The Kapolres emphasized that local philosophies such as “huma hapakat” which means togetherness in diversity must be a guide in maintaining unity amidst diversity.
Not only in East Kotawaringin, efforts to create a peaceful Pilkada are also carried out in various other regions. In Pringsewu Regency, for example, the local Police Preemptive Task Force conducted a direct approach to the community through the kamtibmas visit program. During the visit, the community was invited to play an active role in maintaining a safe, cool, and conducive atmosphere during the Pilkada.
Head of Community Policing Unit of Pringsewu Resort Police, Lampung, AKP Mardiyono, explained that the public is not only urged to exercise their right to vote responsibly, but also educated about the importance of maintaining security stability during the democratic process. Community involvement, both in monitoring and providing input, is expected to produce leaders with integrity and able to bring prosperity to all people.
The same approach was also taken by the Teluk Meranti Police in Pelalawan Regency, Riau. There, the police actively invited the public to work together to maintain security during the 2024 Pilkada.
Teluk Meranti Police Chief, Iptu Hendra Gunawan, explained that this activity is part of an effort to support the Peaceful Pilkada through a cooling system or atmosphere cooler. By maintaining good communication between the police and the community, it is hoped that a conducive and peaceful situation can be created amidst the political dynamics that are occurring.
Preemptive measures like these show that the police and government are not only acting as law enforcers, but also as facilitators who invite the community to work together to maintain integrity and peace during the regional elections.
Without cooperation from all levels of society, it will be difficult to create a safe and orderly Pilkada. Therefore, every citizen has an important role in maintaining a conducive atmosphere, not only for personal interests, but also for the common interest.
Pilkada is not just an event to elect a leader, but also an important moment in the journey of the nation’s democracy. The community is expected to be able to demonstrate democratic maturity by not being easily provoked by issues that can divide.
Through the spirit of mutual cooperation and unity, every individual is expected to be able to play an active role in maintaining a peaceful and safe Pilkada. Let us together realize the 2024 Pilkada as a peaceful, cool, and dignified democratic party, for a better future for our nation and region.
)* Political Observer, Mercubuana University