By: Ridwan Irawan )*
Facing the simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) in 2024 which are full of political dynamics, the security forces have prepared the latest strategies to anticipate various potential vulnerabilities. By deploying trained personnel and collaborating closely with various parties, including the TNI and Satlinmas, preventive steps have been taken to ensure that all stages of the Pilkada run safely, smoothly, and conducively.
This is not only about maintaining security at the Polling Stations (TPS), but also ensuring that the democratic process runs fairly and transparently. Community involvement in maintaining order is also an important key, because the success of the Pilkada is a shared responsibility. Not just a formality, but a serious effort to maintain the integrity of the nation in undergoing this great democratic party.
In Bandarlampung City, the Bandarlampung City Police (Polresta) has deployed 723 personnel as part of Operation Mantap Praja 2024. This step was taken to ensure security during the Pilkada stages. This operation also received full support from Kodim 0410/KBL, which will jointly oversee the election process for mayor and deputy mayor, as well as governor and deputy governor.
Bandarlampung Lampung Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Abdul Waras, emphasized that Operation Mantap Praja 2024 is part of the police’s efforts to ensure the readiness of all ranks in maintaining security and order during the implementation of the Pilkada.
This is a step that cannot be ignored considering the importance of maintaining democracy so that it can run smoothly and orderly. All stages of the Pilkada must be ensured to run smoothly, because security stability is crucial in every democratic process.
Senior Commissioner Abdul Waras also emphasized that the role of the community in maintaining conduciveness during the Pilkada is very important. Maintaining security is not only the task of the authorities, but also the responsibility of all levels of society. Support from all parties is needed to create a safe, smooth, and conducive atmosphere.
The public is urged to continue to maintain unity, even though they may have different choices in the upcoming Pilkada. This is important to ensure that whoever is elected, the ultimate goal is to advance the region for the common welfare.
In line with that, the Mayor of Bandarlampung, Eva Dwiana, also expressed her hope that all stages of the Pilkada in this city can run safely and peacefully. The success of the Pilkada is not only measured by the election process itself, but also by how democracy is implemented. Realizing a healthy and fair democracy is a shared ideal that must be realized by all elements of society.
Meanwhile, in Paser Regency, as many as 2,556 members of the community protection unit (Satlinmas) have been confirmed by the Regional Secretary of Paser Regency, Katsul Wijaya, to participate in securing the Pilkada. This confirmation is concrete evidence of the active role of Satlinmas in supporting Pilkada security at Polling Stations (TPS).
In carrying out its duties, Satlinmas will work together with the TNI/Polri to maintain security and order at each TPS, so that the election process can run smoothly without disruption. Before being deployed to the field, Satlinmas members who have been confirmed will receive coaching and training first.
Head of the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) of Paser Regency, M. Guntur, stated that this training aims to improve the capacity and ability of Satlinmas in terms of securing the area, especially during the Pilkada. This provision is expected to make Satlinmas the front guard in supporting the success of the democratic party.
Guntur also emphasized that Satlinmas’ duties are not only limited to the regional elections, but also include village head elections, general elections, and presidential elections, as well as playing a role in national defense efforts. Satlinmas’ strategic role shows how important their involvement is in maintaining stability and security in every democratic process.
Efforts to secure the 2024 simultaneous regional elections are a reflection of the importance of synergy and cooperation among all elements of society. The security forces, consisting of the police, TNI, and Satlinmas, have carried out their roles seriously in preparing various cutting-edge strategies to anticipate all potential vulnerabilities during the regional elections.
However, these strategic steps will only be effective if supported by the community who also participate in maintaining security and order.
Pilkada is not only about choosing regional leaders, but also about how we as a nation undergo the democratic process with full maturity. Differences in political choices are something natural and actually enrich democracy itself.
Maintaining the unity of the nation is our shared duty, whatever political choice is taken. The security forces have made maximum efforts to create a conducive situation, but the public must also be aware that their role is crucial in ensuring that the Pilkada runs peacefully and smoothly.
We all must realize that regional stability during the Pilkada greatly influences the development of the region itself in the future. Therefore, maintaining order and avoiding provocation is our shared responsibility. The success of the 2024 Pilkada is not only measured in terms of the technical aspects of the election, but also from how we maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere throughout the process.
Thus, we can ensure that democracy runs well, produces fair results and reflects the will of the people. Let’s guard this Pilkada together for a better future.
)* Analyst at Lintas Nusamedia Institute