By: Yesa Andika Fitri)
The re-voting (PSU) in regional head elections is one of the constitutional mechanisms designed to ensure that every democratic process runs fairly, transparently, and accountably. The presence of PSU is often seen as a test of political maturity not only for the organizers and participants, but also for the people. Yet beyond that, PSU also demonstrates the increasing maturity of Indonesian democracy, which is able to resolve potential issues without causing major disruptions.
A clear example can be seen in the implementation of PSU in North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan. Member of Commission I of the Central Kalimantan DPRD, Purdiono, assessed that the PSU in the region was carried out peacefully, orderly, and without significant disturbances. He appreciated the hard work of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), which ensured all stages proceeded according to regulations, as well as the active role of the people in maintaining a conducive atmosphere. Beyond being merely a technical process, this success signified the political maturity of both the people and the candidates, who were willing to accept whatever results the democratic process produced.
The maturity of democracy is also reflected in the involvement of all elements of society, who not only came to the polling stations (TPS) to exercise their voting rights but also helped ensure that the PSU was conducted peacefully. This demonstrates collective awareness that democracy is not merely about contesting power but about selecting leaders trusted to bring development in a better direction. Such awareness is crucial, because even strong regulations will only be effective with the support of the people.
In addition to North Barito, the implementation of PSU in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, also proves that Indonesian democracy continues to develop toward greater maturity. Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, urged the public to work together to make the PSU on August 6, 2025, a success. He stated that every single vote cast by the people would determine the direction of Papua’s leadership for the next five years. His call reflects that local governments understand the importance of public participation in choosing their leaders.
Fatoni emphasized that the PSU in Biak Numfor should serve as an example of good democracy, where people exercise their right to vote freely, without pressure, and according to their conscience. The full support of the Biak Numfor Regency Government, along with the preparedness of the KPU and Bawaslu, are key factors ensuring that the PSU runs safely, smoothly, and peacefully. With more than 100,000 registered voters spread across hundreds of polling stations, it is clear how great the public’s expectations are for a dignified democratic process.
The PSU in Papua relies not only on technical readiness. Security is also a crucial factor that has received serious attention. Papua Regional Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining neutrality and professionalism in overseeing every stage of the PSU. With the deployment of hundreds of personnel in Operation Mantap Praja Cartenz II-2024, the police ensured that the entire process ran without disruptions. The presence of neutral and professional security forces is proof that the state is present to protect the democratic rights of the people.
This PSU phenomenon in various regions shows that Indonesian democracy has passed through its transitional phase and is now becoming more robust. In fact, democracy grows more mature through the ability of all parties to resolve issues gracefully through established mechanisms. This maturity is reflected in the participatory attitude of the people, the maturity of the election participants, the professionalism of the organizers, and the neutrality of security forces.
Furthermore, the success of PSU also proves that Indonesia has learned much from its past democratic experiences. Each challenge that arises is not met with emotion but with a commitment to preserving unity and political stability. Thus, PSU is not merely an administrative procedure, but a symbol of public trust in the prevailing democratic system.
Looking ahead, the hope is that all PSU results will be accepted with maturity and responsibility by the people. Both the winning candidates and those who did not win have a moral obligation to maintain social harmony. As Purdiono highlighted, the willingness of candidates to accept the outcome is crucial in preventing potential horizontal conflicts that could harm society at large.
Moreover, the public must continue to nurture the spirit of active participation in every democratic moment. PSU provides a valuable lesson that democracy grows stronger with public involvement. The awareness that every citizen’s vote has a significant impact on the direction of development is the key to democratic success.
Ultimately, the Pilkada PSU serves as tangible evidence that Indonesia’s democracy is becoming increasingly mature. The peaceful process in North Barito, the thorough preparations in Biak Numfor, and the firm yet neutral security presence in Papua demonstrate the seriousness of all elements of the nation in safeguarding democratic quality. With political maturity taking deeper root, Indonesia is becoming more prepared to face future democratic challenges.
PSU is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength of Indonesia’s democratic system, which is capable of self-correction and ensuring that the people’s voice truly determines the course of leadership. From North Barito to Papua, the spirit of peaceful, inclusive, and participatory democracy continues to resonate, bringing hope that the future of Indonesia’s democracy will be stronger and more full of integrity.
)* The author is a Political Observer