Jakarta – In an effort to create a safe and orderly 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada), the government under President Prabowo Subianto has placed the issue of neutrality and security as its main focus. Through various coordinative and collaborative steps, the government is committed to ensuring that all elements of the state are neutral and support the smooth running of the democratic process.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) through the Directorate General of Village Government Development (Pemdes) has taken preventive steps to ensure the neutrality of village heads and village officials in the upcoming regional elections.
Director General of Village Development, La Ode Ahmad P. Bolombo, stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs had sent a letter to all regional heads on October 10 to remind the importance of the neutral attitude of village heads and village officials. This step was implemented as part of preventive efforts to maintain order and security in the Pilkada.
“We continue to provide socialization and legal literacy to village heads so that they understand the prohibitions that apply during the Pilkada,” explained La Ode.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also collaborates with related agencies such as the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and the National Civil Service Agency (BKN) in order to improve supervision and minimize potential violations of neutrality at the village level. This cross-agency collaboration is expected to be able to maintain the neutrality of all elements of government in order to create a safe and democratic Pilkada.
In addition, Bawaslu in several regions also actively participate in maintaining the neutrality of state civil apparatus (ASN), TNI, and Polri during the implementation of the Pilkada. Bawaslu Ponorogo Regency, for example, held a socialization for ASN, TNI, and Polri to increase the commitment to maintaining neutrality in the Pilkada.
The Head of Bawaslu Ponorogo, M. Bahrun Mustofa, said that until now no violations of neutrality were found among ASN, TNI, or Polri in his area.
“Hopefully, there will be no findings of violations so that we can make the democratic party that will take place on November 27 a success,” said Bahrun.
On the other hand, in order to strengthen security during the Pilkada, the Central Sulawesi Police together with the TNI, Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), and the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) held a joint prayer in the Central Sulawesi Police area. The Central Sulawesi Police Chief emphasized the importance of collaboration between all elements of society to maintain order and security during the election process. In addition to the joint prayer, the Police Chief also appealed to Pilkada participants to control their supporters so that they remain orderly and respect the ongoing democratic process.
The Prabowo government through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bawaslu, and the TNI-Polri continues to work together to supervise, educate, and strengthen understanding among officials and the public.
This step was taken so that the 2024 Pilkada can run safely, neutrally, and reflect healthy democratic values. It is hoped that with cross-sector coordination and strict supervision, the 2024 Pilkada can run peacefully and provide a good example of democracy for the community. {}