By: Andy Syahrul
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections have taken place safely, peacefully, and smoothly. In various regions, this democratic process is not only an event to elect leaders, but also a reflection of the maturity of Indonesian society in democracy.
The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Youth Axis, Muhlis Ali, appreciated this achievement, saying that the success of the regional elections could not be separated from the active role of all elements of society. Starting from the organizers, supervisors, and the community, they worked together to oversee this process with full responsibility, thus creating a peaceful democratic atmosphere.
This success shows that Indonesian people increasingly understand the essence of democracy which is not only about choosing leaders, but also maintaining social harmony. In an atmosphere like this, it is important for us to continue to maintain the spirit of unity so that the positive results of the regional elections are not tarnished by conflict or division.
True democracy is not only measured by the orderly election process, but also how the community behaves afterwards. The Head of the Lampung Nahdatul Ulama (PWNU) Regional Management, Puji Raharjo reminded the community to maintain unity and not be provoked by issues that could divide. He emphasized that the official results of the regional elections remain the authority of the General Elections Commission (KPU), and any form of quick results is only an initial picture. According to him, this democratic process is a common thing in finding a leader according to the will of the people, so he appealed to the community to wait for the official results while maintaining conduciveness.
After the regional elections, it is not the time to sharpen the differences of choice, but the opposite. This is the time to reunite the spirit of togetherness that was once divided due to the dynamics of the campaign. In truth, democracy is a tool to create harmony, not to trigger conflict.
One of the biggest challenges after the election is the rampant spread of false information or hoaxes. This kind of information often becomes a trigger for conflict in society. The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Gantarang District, Bulukumba Regency, KM. Rusli Rahman, reminded the importance of maintaining harmony after the regional elections. KM. Rusli said that even though people had different choices during the election, people should unite again, carry out activities as usual, and avoid hoaxes.
KM. Rusli Rahman also emphasized the importance of tabayyun or verifying information before spreading it. This step is very important to prevent misunderstandings that can trigger conflict. Awareness not to spread unverified information is part of our responsibility as citizens who want to maintain unity.
The success of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections cannot be separated from the government’s commitment to ensuring that all stages run according to regulations. Security forces, election organizers, and various other institutions have worked hard to maintain neutrality and security. However, this success also requires the active role of the community.
The community that participates in maintaining peace has shown that Indonesian democracy is increasingly mature. Active participation, such as reporting violations and overseeing the election process, is real evidence that the Indonesian people increasingly understand the importance of maintaining a healthy democracy.
In the future, Indonesia must continue to foster a spirit of unity. The regional elections are not the end of the struggle, but the beginning of a new process to build the nation. Differences in choice in the election should not be a reason to create a divide among the people. Instead, these differences must be seen as the richness of democracy that must be maintained and respected.
As a large nation with diverse backgrounds, Indonesia has a great responsibility to maintain harmony. In this context, it is important for all parties to not only focus on political victory, but also on efforts to build harmony. As Muhlis Ali said, the success of Indonesian democracy is the fruit of hard work together with all elements of society.
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections are proof that Indonesia is able to carry out the democratic process safely and peacefully. However, our task does not stop here. Unity and integrity must continue to be maintained, not only for today, but also for the future of the nation.
Let us all, regardless of background or political choice, work together to maintain peace and harmony. With the spirit of mutual cooperation and the awareness not to be easily provoked, we can realize a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Indonesia.
The success of democracy is not only the responsibility of the government or election organizers, but our shared responsibility as citizens. By maintaining unity, we not only reflect maturity in democracy, but also become an example for future generations.
)* The author is an alumni of the Political Science Department from Makassar