By: Permata Aulia
Facing the 2024 Pilkada, the participation of various elements of society is an important key in ensuring a safe and democratic implementation. The two main challenges faced are the spread of SARA (Ethnicity, Religion, Race, and Inter-Group) issues and hoaxes. This phenomenon has the potential to divide society and disrupt the harmony that has long been established. Therefore, concrete steps are needed from various parties, including community leaders, security forces, and election organizing institutions.
Community leaders have a strategic role in combating the spread of SARA issues and hoaxes. As respected individuals who have influence in their communities, community leaders are able to become bridges between the government and the people. They can educate the public about the importance of sorting out correct information and not being easily provoked by divisive issues. Bone Police Chief, AKBP Erwin Syah, emphasized the importance of cooperation between all elements of society in keeping the Pilkada peaceful and safe. According to him, the public must be wise in dealing with information and not be easily provoked by issues whose truth is unclear.
As one of the institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of the election, the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) also plays an important role in facing this challenge. The experience of the 2017 Pilkada, where SARA issues had surfaced, is an important lesson that identity politics can be a very dangerous tool if not anticipated. Bawaslu Jakarta has increased coordination with various parties to ensure that the Pilkada stages run according to applicable regulations. They also appealed to the public to be active in monitoring the Pilkada process so that this process remains free from elements that damage the integrity of democracy.
In addition, the National Integration Forum (FPK) plays a vital role in maintaining social harmony. As a forum for communication and information, FPK is responsible for early detection of potential conflicts caused by differences in ethnicity, religion, race, and class. The Regional Secretary of Pekanbaru City, Indra Pomi, stated the importance of collaboration between FPK and the government in preventing potential conflicts. With early detection capabilities, FPK can take preventive measures before problems develop into crises.
However, efforts to keep the 2024 Pilkada safe and peaceful are not only the responsibility of community leaders or related institutions. The community as a whole must also actively participate. In this case, collaboration between community leaders and security forces is crucial. The North Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan Februanto, stated that his party continues to coordinate with the KPU and Bawaslu to involve community leaders in maintaining security and order during the Pilkada. This collaboration is expected to create a conducive atmosphere and prevent potential social conflict.
In addition, community leaders also play a role in increasing voter participation. Active community participation is a key indicator of the success of the Pilkada. In some areas, low voter participation is often caused by a lack of information, apathy, or distrust of the political process. Community leaders can bridge this gap by providing accurate information and building public trust in the democratic process. The Malinau Regency KPU, for example, has held socialization to traditional leaders and youth in remote areas to increase voter participation in the 2024 Pilkada.
In this context, collaboration between community leaders, security forces, and election institutions can make a major contribution to maintaining social and political stability. Community leaders, who have significant influence in their communities, can act as mediators in preventing and resolving conflicts that may arise during the election process. In addition, they can also mobilize the community to actively participate in the election, by providing education and examples of inclusive and accountable leadership.
On the other hand, the threat of hoaxes in the digital era cannot be ignored. Hoaxes that spread quickly through social media often trigger panic and tension in society. Therefore, community leaders and security forces need to work together to monitor and combat the spread of this false information. Education for the public to be wiser in responding to information is very necessary. The principle of “filtering before sharing” is relevant to be applied in dealing with the unstoppable flow of information.
On the other hand, in order to prevent violations due to the emergence of hoax narratives in the Pilkada, the community must actively monitor the implementation of the Pilkada in their respective environments. Active involvement of citizens in this democratic process will be the key to keeping the Pilkada clean from elements that can damage its integrity.
Overall, the success of the 2024 Pilkada is highly dependent on the active participation of the community and collaboration between elements. Not only in maintaining security and order, but also in ensuring that this democratic process takes place fairly and transparently. With good synergy between community leaders, security forces, and election institutions, we can realize a safe, peaceful, and democratic Pilkada. Ultimately, political differences should be a valuable lesson in the process of maturing the nation, not as a tool to divide.
*) Social and Cultural Observer, Gala Indomedia Institute