*) By: Evan Saputra
The General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) have a big responsibility to ensure that every stage of the Pilkada runs honestly, fairly, and free from intervention. The KPU is required to carry out its duties transparently and accountably, while Bawaslu needs to be firm in supervising and taking action against violations of neutrality. Public trust in these two institutions is highly dependent on the extent to which they can demonstrate a professional attitude and not take sides with one of the candidate pairs.
Not only the organizers, neutrality must also be upheld by state civil servants (ASN), TNI, and Polri. They are expected not to be involved in political campaigns or provide support to one of the candidates openly. Strict regulations regarding the neutrality of ASN, TNI, and Polri are regulated in order to maintain a healthy democracy and avoid politicization of state institutions. Violations of neutrality not only tarnish the integrity of the institution, but also have the potential to create tension in society.
Acting Governor of North Sumatra, Agus Fatoni, emphasized the importance of maintaining ASN neutrality during the implementation of the Pilkada. In the Declaration of ASN Neutrality throughout North Sumatra, he outlined the neutral attitude that must be implemented by ASN. Fatoni guarantees his neutrality and has issued a Circular regarding ASN neutrality since July 11, 2024. ASN who are proven not to be neutral can be reported and will be dealt with firmly. In addition, Fatoni invited all parties to maintain ASN neutrality for the sake of conduciveness in North Sumatra, which has an impact on the implementation of the functions of the Regent and Mayor. Fatoni emphasized that ASN has a great responsibility in ensuring that the implementation of the Pilkada runs well and transparently, in order to create a quality democracy. He also emphasized that ASN neutrality is guaranteed in laws and regulations.
The Head of Bawaslu Padang Lawas Regency, Alex Sabar Nasution, also said that it is important to maintain ASN neutrality during the implementation of the Simultaneous Regional Elections in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 5 of 2014 concerning ASN. The government has issued a Joint Decree (SKB) concerning Guidelines for the Development and Supervision of ASN Neutrality in the General Election and Regional Election. The issuance of this SKB aims to maintain the integrity and professionalism of ASN, both Civil Servants (PNS) and Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK), so that they remain neutral in the implementation of the 2024 simultaneous general election and regional election. This socialization is expected to strengthen the understanding of ASN in Palas Regency regarding the rules that they must comply with during the election and regional election process.
Meanwhile, mass media and social media play a strategic role in maintaining the neutrality of information. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the media is required to present balanced and objective news. The choice of words in the news must be careful so as not to give the impression of bias. In the digital era, where information spreads so quickly through social media, it is important for everyone to be wise in filtering information and not to spread unverified news.
Communication Academic of IAIN Palangkaraya, Hakimsyah, said the threat of hoaxes in the mass media and social media is a serious challenge that can affect the neutrality and integrity of the election. ASN is asked to be wise in responding to information, not to spread unverified news, and to play an active role in maintaining a conducive political atmosphere. With a neutral attitude and being alert to hoaxes, ASN can contribute to ensuring that the Pilkada runs honestly, fairly, and free from intervention, so that public trust in the democratic process is maintained.
The community also has an important role in maintaining neutrality in the midst of the Pilkada process. As voters, the community must ensure that their choices are based on rational considerations, not because of the influence of fake news or black campaigns. Neutrality in everyday life can be realized by avoiding provocation and not getting involved in political debates that can divide social relations. Good political education will help the community understand their rights and obligations as citizens without getting caught up in conflicts of interest.
Maintaining neutrality is also relevant in the context of utilizing information technology and social media. In the 2024 Pilkada, many candidate pairs are using digital platforms to reach voters. However, this must be accompanied by responsibility, both from the candidates and their supporters, so as not to spread misleading information. Wise use of technology will create a healthy and integrity-based election atmosphere.
Finally, the importance of neutrality also serves as a reminder for every individual and institution to focus on the main objective of the Pilkada, which is to elect a leader who is able to bring positive change to their region. By maintaining neutrality, every party contributes to creating a quality, safe, and peaceful election. Pilkada is not just a competition to gain power, but a forum to express the will of the people democratically.
Upholding neutrality in the 2024 Pilkada is a shared responsibility. With a neutral attitude, the public can ensure that Indonesian democracy runs well and produces leaders who are truly trusted. All parties, from organizers to the public, need to take an active role in creating a clean and dignified Pilkada. A healthy democracy begins with an election process that is honest, fair, and free from unilateral interests.
*) The author is a postgraduate student living in Tangerang.