By: Emanuel Bito Tabuni*)
Maintaining security stability in Papua is the main key to realizing a safe, peaceful, and conducive Pilkada. Various efforts have been made by security forces and the community to ensure the smooth running of this democratic party.
The West Papua Regional Police (Polda) has taken proactive steps in preparing for the 2024 Pilkada. One significant effort is the implementation of supervision and assistance activities centered in the Martin Luther Wermit hall, Teminabuan. This activity aims to convey messages of Security and Public Order (Kamtibmas) in order to realize a safe and peaceful simultaneous Pilkada in the Province of Southwest Papua.
Head of Renmin Sub-Division, Ops Bureau, West Papua Regional Police, AKP Sawal Halim, emphasized that the main objective of the activity was to convey messages of public order and security ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. Halim emphasized the importance of the neutrality of the Police in the election and emphasized that their presence as security forces had nothing to do with the campaign of any candidate.
Furthermore, Halim emphasized the importance of cooperation from all elements of society, especially community leaders, in maintaining security during the Pilkada stages. Different choices are allowed, but the community must maintain unity and not take actions that can disrupt public order and security, because all are brothers. Halim also reminded that security matters are not only the responsibility of the TNI/Polri, but also require the active role of the community in realizing security in the region.
A similar commitment was also shown by the Cartenz 2024 Peace Ops Task Force. Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz 2024 Peace Ops Task Force, Senior Commissioner Pol Dr. Bayu Suseno, stated that the Task Force will continue to strive to prevent all forms of potential conflict in Papua, especially ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. Bayu also added that they will continue to be committed to keeping Papua peaceful and safe, especially now that it is entering the Pilkada period. He hopes that this cooperation will be stronger to create a safe, peaceful, and conducive Papua in facing the 2024 Pilkada.
The efforts made by the security forces have received appreciation from various parties, including community leaders. Putri Indonesia Papua 2023, Yunita H. Monim, appreciated the Papua Police who until now have maintained security in Papua ahead of the democratic party. Yunita hopes that this momentum can be maintained and take place safely and peacefully. Yunita also emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining a safe situation in order to realize peace in the midst of life together.
The Papuan people have a crucial role in maintaining security stability during the Pilkada. Some things that the community can do include actively participating in socialization and education activities about the Pilkada organized by the authorities, maintaining harmony and tolerance among each other regardless of differences in political choices, not being easily provoked by issues that can divide unity, reporting any potential security disturbances to the authorities, and exercising the right to vote responsibly and in accordance with conscience.
Maintaining security stability for the smooth running of the Pilkada in Papua is a shared responsibility between the security forces and the community. The efforts that have been made by the West Papua Police, the Cartenz Peace Ops Task Force, and support from various elements of society show a strong commitment to realizing a safe, peaceful, and conducive Pilkada. Through strong synergy between the security forces and the community, it is hoped that the 2024 Pilkada in Papua can run smoothly and be a reflection of quality democracy.
Differences in political choices should not be divisive, but rather strengthen unity and togetherness in diversity. Through a safe and peaceful Pilkada, Papua can move forward towards a better, more prosperous, and more just future for all its people. The success of holding a safe and peaceful Pilkada in Papua will be real proof that democracy can run well in a region with unique characteristics like Papua.
In facing the challenges that may arise during the Pilkada process, vigilance and preparedness are needed from all parties. Close coordination between security forces, Pilkada organizers, and the community is the main key in anticipating and overcoming various potential security disturbances. The role of the media is also no less important in conveying accurate and balanced information, as well as educating the public about the importance of participating in a peaceful Pilkada.
Political education and socialization about the importance of a safe and peaceful Pilkada need to continue to be encouraged, especially in areas prone to conflict. This aims to increase public awareness of the rights and responsibilities