By : Ridwan Putra Khalan )*
The implementation of regional head elections (Pilkada) which will be held on November 27 2024 is an important moment in the democratic process in Indonesia. Citizens’ active participation in the Pilkada is crucial to ensuring the realization of a government that truly represents the aspirations of the people. Therefore, it is very important for every citizen who has the right to vote not to abstain and participate in this election process.
The National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) of Jayapura City, Papua, has appealed to all local residents not to abstain. The Head of Jayapura City Kesbangpol, Raymondus Mote, stated that his party continues to carry out outreach to provide information to the public in order to increase voter understanding and participation in the Pilkada.
The socialization carried out by Kesbangpol Jayapura City involved various associations and community organizations in the city. With the hope that information related to the Pilkada will continue to be disseminated to family and relatives, so that no residents will abstain from voting on election day.
The regional government also hopes that the Pilkada organizers, both the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Jayapura City General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), will work better to ensure the smooth running of the Pilkada process.
The experience of the general election for president and vice president and members of the legislature in February 2024, which was marred by logistical delays and vote count recapitulation, must not be repeated.
It is hoped that the city of Jayapura, which is a barometer of development in all fields, can become an example for other regions in Papua in carrying out democratic processes according to the rules. Therefore, coordination with related agencies and security forces continues to be carried out to realize safe and peaceful regional elections in Jayapura City.
Not only that, the public is also encouraged to take part in overseeing the Pilkada process in Jayapura City and continue to maintain security so that it remains conducive. Active community participation in every stage of the regional elections is very necessary to ensure that the election process runs transparently and accountably.
In Sidoarjo, the local KPU held a Media Gathering event with the theme “The Role of the Media in Increasing Community Participation in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections”. The event, which took place from 26 to 27 July 2024, was attended by various media organizations operating in Sidoarjo.
In this event, the Sidoarjo KPU invited speakers from academic circles and the media to provide their insights and views regarding the importance of the media’s role in forming public opinion and increasing people’s political awareness. It is hoped that this activity can strengthen the synergy between the KPU and the media in the successful implementation of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
Chairman of the Sidoarjo KPU, Fauzan Adhim, emphasized the importance of media gatherings as an opportunity to strengthen synergy between journalists from various media companies and the Sidoarjo KPU. With this activity, it is hoped that journalists can better understand their strategic role in educating and informing the public regarding the importance of participation in Pilkada.
During the two days of implementation, participants were involved in various interactive discussions discussing effective strategies to increase voter participation. This discussion covers topics such as the use of social media for election campaigns, the importance of accurate and trustworthy news, and how to fight hoax news that can damage the democratic process.
Meanwhile, in Paser Regency, the local KPU held a Healthy Walk event as a way to socialize the election of governor and deputy governor of East Kalimantan, regent and deputy regent of Paser. It is hoped that this activity, which is attended by people from various circles, can attract voter participation and encourage them to exercise their right to vote.
The chairman of the Paser Regency KPU, Ahyar Rosidi, stated that this Healthy Walk is not only for health but also as a form of socialization for the implementation of the regional elections on 27 November 2024. He invited the public to work together to make the 2024 simultaneous regional elections a success by using their right to vote and not abstaining from voting.
In the future, the Paser KPU will more intensively socialize the implementation of the simultaneous regional elections by targeting first-time voters. It is hoped that this outreach can increase voter participation and ensure that every citizen who has the right to vote does not miss the opportunity to participate in the election process.
The Head of the Paser Regency National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), Nonding, also hopes that the public can use their right to vote wisely. The success of the democratic party is in the hands of the people, and what they choose will determine the direction of future development.
The 2024 regional elections are a golden opportunity for residents to determine the future of their region. Therefore, active participation in Pilkada is very important. People need to realize that their voices have the power to bring about significant change.
By not abstaining, we can ensure that the elected leaders truly represent the aspirations and interests of the community. Let’s use our voting rights wisely and participate actively in the regional elections for a better future.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara