By: Silvia AP )*
President Jokowi has a very strong commitment to the realization of a peaceful regional election. With the implementation of a peaceful regional election, it is hoped that the succession of leadership can run smoothly and the sustainability of development programs can be continued.
President Joko Widodo emphasized his commitment to always follow the rule of law, including the implementation of simultaneous regional elections in November. Regional head elections (Pilkada) are an instrument of democracy that is expected to be implemented well, safely, smoothly and peacefully. Pilkada is also expected to produce aspirational leaders to realize sustainable development in each region. Without leaders who have the capability, sustainable development will be homework. This certainly should not happen so that it requires commitment to maintaining a peaceful situation in the 2024 Pilkada, so that later the community’s hopes for sustainable development can be realized soon.
The implementation of the Pilkada is an important moment in the democratic process in Indonesia. As a manifestation of people’s sovereignty, the Pilkada is the main instrument for electing regional leaders who will take control of development and management of regional resources for the next few years. Therefore, the Pilkada is not only an election event, but also a moment to determine the direction of regional development. In this context, a peaceful Pilkada is the key to sustainable regional development.
In the history of the implementation of regional elections in Indonesia, we often witness how political dynamics at the regional level can be very complex. On the one hand, regional elections are a healthy competition for regional head candidates to show their best programs. On the other hand, regional elections are also often colored by conflicts, both physical and non-physical, which can threaten regional stability and security.
A peaceful election is a condition in which the entire election process, from campaigning to the announcement of results, runs in an orderly, safe and non-violent manner. A peaceful election creates a conducive environment for the community to actively participate and determine the future of their region.
Without peaceful elections, the potential for conflict to arise could lead to riots, instability, and even derail the democratic process itself. When society is divided and chaos occurs, regional development can come to a halt, as local governments must divert their focus and resources to restore security and stability. Thus, peaceful elections are key to ensuring that the democratic process runs smoothly, so that regional development can continue without hindrance.
The Gowa Regency Government together with the Gowa Ministry of Religion collaborated on three pillars in realizing the 2024 Peaceful Regional Head Election (Pilkada). The Regent of Gowa, Adnan Purichta Ichsan, emphasized that the 2024 Pilkada which was held simultaneously throughout Indonesia, especially in Gowa Regency, must be carried out properly, safely and peacefully.
Adnan said that this simultaneous Pilkada was the first time it was held in Indonesia, where one of the goals was to synchronize programs between the central government and provinces to districts/cities. Furthermore, Adnan said that the central government, provinces and districts/cities have prepared the Regional Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPD) for 2025-2045. So that the RPJPD will be a reference for the next government so that there is sustainable development in accordance with the theme of the central government.
People who are aware of the importance of peaceful elections tend to play an active role in maintaining a conducive situation. Public participation in elections is not only limited to voting, but also involving themselves in monitoring the election process and ensuring that no acts of violence or intimidation occur.
The political maturity of the candidates and their campaign teams is an important factor in creating a peaceful regional election. Politically mature candidates will focus more on competing ideas and programs, rather than on trying to bring down opponents in unhealthy ways. Political maturity also means accepting the results of the regional election with an open heart, whether winning or losing.
Security forces, such as the police and the TNI, have a crucial role in maintaining security and order during the regional elections. They must be neutral and professional in carrying out their duties, ensuring that no violence or fraud occurs during the election process. Tight supervision and a quick response to potential conflicts can prevent escalation of violence.
Head of the Public Information Bureau (Karo Penmas) of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said that to realize a Peaceful Pilkada, synergy between the Police, TNI, local governments and the community is needed. The cooling activity with the declaration of the three pillars is a form of seriousness to create a smooth, safe and peaceful Pilkada.
Furthermore, Trunoyudo asked the three pillars to be able to detect potential conflicts early. The role of Bhabinkamtibmas and Babinsa is said to be needed to mitigate all existing social conflicts. No less important, all elements of society must also maintain conduciveness during the implementation and completion of the 2024 simultaneous Pilkada.
Good cooperation between local governments and election organizing institutions, such as the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), is very important in ensuring that the Pilkada runs smoothly. The KPU and Bawaslu must be able to manage the election process transparently and accountably, while local governments must provide full support, both in terms of budget and facilities, for the smooth implementation of the Pilkada.
Peaceful regional elections have a significant positive impact on regional development. When the election process runs smoothly without disruption, the elected regional government can immediately start working without being disturbed by post-election conflicts. This political stability provides certainty for investors and business actors to invest their capital in the region, which in turn will encourage economic growth and job creation.
Peaceful elections allow local governments to focus on long-term development. Without disruption or conflict, local governments can design and implement sustainable development plans. They can prioritize infrastructure projects, education, health, and other public services that are badly needed by the community.
)* The author is the editorial team of the Student Press Institute (LPM) Ideas