By: Herman Wijaya)*
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is an important moment in the life of the nation and state. As a democratic process, Pilkada not only determines regional leaders, but also reflects the maturity of democracy and political maturity of a nation.
In order for the Pilkada to run well and produce truly qualified leaders, all important elements take part in realizing a peaceful Pilkada. A peaceful Pilkada not only guarantees a healthy democratic process, but also provides a positive contribution to the future of the region and the country. The success of the Pilkada will be a barometer for the community in determining the choice of the next leader. The community also gets very valuable lessons at every momentum of the democratic process, so that the great hope is that the implementation of the Pilkada will be representative and can provide political learning for each individual in society.
Maintaining the independence of the community in determining their choice in the Pilkada is important, but maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the Pilkada so that there is no risk of social conflict is no less important. This is to ensure that the community can exercise their right to vote without fear, thus producing representative and legitimate leaders.
When the regional elections take place in a calm atmosphere, more citizens will feel comfortable participating. This means more votes can influence the election results, reflecting the wider will of the people. In addition, peaceful regional elections help build public trust in the democratic system and government institutions. This trust is important to support the sustainability of a healthy and sustainable political system. Therefore, support from all parties is needed.
Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Pol. Mohammad Iqbal said that his party implemented the Cooling System to create a peaceful Pilkada. The Cooling System is designed to create a peaceful Pilkada 2024 by easing tensions, reducing the potential for conflict, and ensuring that the election process runs fairly and smoothly. With collaboration between the government, supervisory institutions, political parties, regional head candidates, and the community, the Pilkada 2024 can be a good example of healthy democratic practices. The implementation of the Cooling System not only supports the integrity of the election but also builds the foundation for a better and more stable democratic future.
In addition, realizing a peaceful Pilkada is an investment for a better future. The election process runs smoothly and harmoniously, reflecting the maturity of democracy and the readiness of the community to face major challenges in the future. A peaceful Pilkada is not only about the election results, but also about how the community undergoes the democratic process with full responsibility and mutual respect.
Then the importance of political education for voters should also not be ignored in realizing peaceful regional elections. The public needs to be given clear and accurate information regarding candidates, work programs, so that later they can make wise decisions. Through political education held during the stages of the regional elections, public understanding is expected to grow awareness of the importance of choosing objectively and rejecting all forms of politicization that can damage peace. Informative campaigns based on substantive issues will educate voters more than campaigns that focus on personal attacks or sensational issues. Therefore, there needs to be an accurate information base in managing regional election issues, namely the media.
The position of the media in managing information is very crucial, because it has a direct impact on the understanding of the wider community. In addition, the role of the mass media is also very vital in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the Pilkada. The media must act as an objective and impartial information bridge, and avoid news that can provoke or worsen the atmosphere. Emphasis on constructive news and solutions, not sensationalism or controversy, will help the public focus more on selecting candidates based on their capabilities and track records. Responsible media contributes greatly to the realization of a peaceful and beneficial Pilkada.
Acting Mayor of Yogyakarta, Sugeng Purwanto said that the people of Yogyakarta City are committed to realizing a peaceful Pilkada in 2024. This commitment is realized with the declaration of a peaceful Pilkada by the Yogyakarta City Government together with the Regional Head Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of Yogyakarta City and representatives of political parties. In addition, amidst increasingly complex political dynamics, there needs to be awareness and a shared commitment to maintaining order and peace during the Pilkada process. The declaration is a symbol of everyone’s determination to ensure that democracy in Yogyakarta runs in an orderly, fair and dignified manner.
As part of society, we all have a role in creating a peaceful Pilkada atmosphere. With cooperation, awareness, and shared commitment, we can ensure that Pilkada is not just a political routine, but also an important milestone on the journey towards a better and more sustainable future. We all play a role in ensuring that Pilkada is not just a political routine, but also an important momentum in building a stronger and more sustainable democracy. With a shared commitment to realizing a peaceful Pilkada, we can welcome a brighter and more hopeful future for the entire nation.
In addition, the commitment to prevent potential conflicts before, during and after the regional elections also requires support from the wider community. A healthy political culture must be built by instilling the values of tolerance and mutual respect. Then realizing a peaceful regional election is a shared responsibility between the government, society, and all parties involved. By ensuring that the regional elections take place in a safe and harmonious atmosphere, we are not only helping to build a healthy democracy, but also making a positive contribution to a better future. A peaceful regional election is a reflection of our political maturity and commitment to democratic values, which will ultimately produce better leaders and a more prosperous society.
)* The author is a contributor to JurnalRedaksi.com