By: Linda Permata
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections will be an important momentum in determining the direction of development and leadership in various regions in Indonesia. This regional political contest is not only an arena for the community to channel their political rights, but also an opportunity for the media to play a key role in overseeing the democratic process. In this context, President Jokowi’s government needs to embrace the media as an important element that must be maintained so that the information conveyed to the public remains accurate, balanced, and trustworthy.
The importance of the media’s role in overseeing the Regional Head Election cannot be underestimated. Amidst the rampant information circulating, especially through social media and digital platforms, conventional mass media still has a big responsibility in providing verified information.
In the view of KPU RI Commissioner Idham Holik, the media has a dual role, namely as a disseminator of information and a supervisor in the Pilkada process. The media must be able to filter news that has the potential to divide society and prevent the emergence of disinformation that can damage the democratic order.
During the regional elections, the media often acts as a bridge between the candidates and the voters. Thus, the media has a strategic role in providing an objective picture of the candidates’ vision, mission, and work programs.
This task cannot be done carelessly, considering its enormous impact on the views and political decisions of the community. Responsible media will ensure that every news or information published is based on facts and data that can be accounted for.
The importance of media credibility was also highlighted by the Minister of State Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia, Pratikno. In his view, the media has enormous power in shaping public opinion, especially during periods of regional political contestation. If the media fails to maintain its integrity, the political process that should run smoothly can be disrupted by the emergence of unnecessary negative sentiment.
Therefore, Pratikno emphasized that the media must continue to adhere to professional and ethical journalistic principles, especially in presenting political news that can influence public perception.
In addition to providing accurate information, the media must also play a role in maintaining social stability during the Regional Head Election process. Regional elections often trigger intense political dynamics, and differences in political support in society can develop into conflict if not managed properly.
The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) of the Republic of Indonesia, Hadi Tjahjanto, highlighted the importance of the role of the media in maintaining a conducive atmosphere during this regional democratic celebration.
The media must be able to act as a balance in situations that are often heated, while still providing space for differences of opinion, but not ignoring the potential for social conflict.
In maintaining its credibility, the media must avoid any form of tendentious or biased reporting towards one of the candidates. Objectivity must be the main principle that is firmly held.
The public relies heavily on information delivered by the media in determining their choices, so biased news will greatly influence the political process at the regional level. Good media will provide equal space for all candidates to express their views, without prioritizing the interests of certain parties.
In the context of digitalization of information, the challenges for the media are getting bigger. The uncontrolled spread of news through social media often leads to the circulation of inaccurate or even deliberately falsified information.
This disinformation can quickly mislead the public, especially those who have less access to more credible sources of information. Therefore, the mass media must take a more proactive role in correcting false news and providing clear clarification. By maintaining credibility, the media can help the public to be smarter in filtering information during the Pilkada period.
In addition, the media also plays a role in overseeing the Regional Head Election process. In its function as social control, the media must reveal and report any irregularities in the election process, such as black campaigns, vote manipulation, or other violations of political ethics.
This oversight role is very important to ensure that the Pilkada is conducted honestly and fairly, in accordance with the principles of democracy. When the media performs its function as a watchdog well, the public will have more confidence in the transparency and integrity of the Pilkada.
Not only that, the media also plays an important role in providing political education to the public. Information about election procedures, the importance of active participation, and the rights and obligations of voters need to be well socialized by the media.
Well-educated voters will be more able to participate effectively in the democratic process, and this is very important to improve the quality of Regional Head Elections. By providing educational information, the media helps create smarter and more critical voters.
Through accurate and educational reporting, the media can encourage the public to participate in the Pilkada in the right way. Good participation is not only limited to using the right to vote, but also includes monitoring the course of the political process. The public who get good information from the media will be better able to carry out their role as effective election supervisors.
Ultimately, media credibility is the main foundation in maintaining the success of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. Media that are able to maintain objectivity and professionalism in reporting each stage of the Regional Elections will contribute greatly to creating a healthy and democratic political climate.
By prioritizing the principles of accurate, responsible, and impartial journalism, the media will help the public go through the regional elections peacefully and orderly, without being divided by misleading information.
In facing the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, all media elements are expected to be able to maintain their credibility well. Valid information, objective news, and fair reporting will greatly influence the smoothness and integrity of the democratic process at the regional level. Thus, the media not only functions as a disseminator of information, but also as an important pillar that maintains public trust in the democratic system itself.
*) Social and Cultural Observer, Jakarta State University