By: Amelia Arsylia *)
The implementation of the 2024 Pilkada is an important democratic agenda for the Indonesian people. To ensure successful implementation, the government through the General Election Commission (KPU), together with support from the security forces, has shown a high commitment to ensuring logistical readiness in various regions. This readiness is a determinant of the success of the democratic process, because good logistics will ensure the smooth distribution of election needs to remote areas.
One example of this readiness is seen in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The delivery of logistics for the 2024 Pilkada in this province received tight security from the police and TNI. The Head of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province KPU, Husin, stated that the security process was carried out starting from the logistics provider to its distribution to the districts and cities. This step aims to ensure that the logistics delivery process can run smoothly.
The Indonesian Navy of the Bangka Belitung Islands also supports this security. The Commander of the Bangka Belitung Islands Naval Base (Danlanal), Navy Colonel (P) Erwin Herdiyanto, emphasized that his party is ready to deploy personnel and equipment according to instructions from the leadership to secure logistics distribution to the archipelago. Although the number of Indonesian Navy personnel in the area is limited, Erwin ensured that all potential personnel and materials have been optimized so that the logistics distribution process can run smoothly.
In addition to escorting, logistical readiness is also seen in Cirebon Regency, West Java. Cirebon Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Sumarni, said that his party increased security at the KPU logistics warehouse by conducting routine patrols and putting personnel on standby 24 hours at the logistics storage warehouse. This is done to maintain the security of all equipment needed for the 2024 simultaneous regional elections.
In addition, Sumarni said that his party also conducted strict checks on anyone entering the logistics storage area to ensure there was no threat to the security of the warehouse. Patrols carried out by the Cirebon Police also covered the area around the KPU and other vital objects to ensure a conducive situation during the campaign phase.
Nationally, the Indonesian KPU noted that logistical preparations for the 2024 Pilkada have reached more than 60 percent. The Chairman of the Indonesian KPU, Mochammad Afiffuddin, explained that logistical preparations, including ballots, have increased and continue to be pursued according to target. Afiffuddin also emphasized that the need for ink for voting has reached 100 percent and will certainly be ready before voting day. According to him, this shows that all Pilkada needs in 37 provinces and 508 regencies/cities will be ready on time.
The success in meeting logistical needs, such as ballots and ink, shows the government’s real efforts in ensuring the smooth running of the democratic process. The availability of ink that has reached 100 percent before the voting day, for example, is proof that the preparation was not only done well but also well planned.
Public optimism towards the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada is increasing with the logistical readiness demonstrated by various parties. The government through the KPU and support from the security forces have worked hard to ensure that the logistics distribution process runs smoothly, both in mainland and island areas. These strategic steps provide confidence that the implementation of the Pilkada will take place in an orderly, safe manner, and according to the predetermined schedule.
More than just fulfilling technical needs, this logistical readiness reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining public trust in the democratic process. The public can see that the government is serious about ensuring that every stage of the Pilkada runs smoothly. This is proof that the government is committed to creating fair, honest, and transparent elections, so that the results of the 2024 Pilkada truly reflect the people’s choice.
Logistical readiness is also an important factor that supports community participation in the Pilkada. When the community sees that all technical needs have been well prepared, they feel more confident to participate in the voting process. This will contribute to increasing voter participation, which will ultimately strengthen the legitimacy of the Pilkada results.
During the preparation period for the Pilkada, the collaboration between the KPU, TNI, and Polri is a real example of the synergy needed to make the democratic agenda a success. Readiness from various aspects, from escorts to patrols, shows that all parties are working together to create conducive conditions for the implementation of the Pilkada. This effort is a guarantee that Pilkada logistics will arrive on time to all regions of Indonesia, including remote areas that require special attention.
Thus, the logistical readiness demonstrated by the government is one of the important keys to the success of the 2024 Pilkada. Full support from the security forces and solid cooperation between the KPU and local governments in various regions show that the preparations are being carried out seriously. The public can also welcome the voting day with enthusiasm and hope, because they believe that the government has done its best to make this democratic party a success.
*) The author is a student of Political Science and Government from Makassar.