By: Dirandra Falguni)*
The implementation of the 2024 simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) is an important milestone for Indonesian democracy. A total of 545 regions, consisting of 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities, successfully implemented the Pilkada on November 27, 2024. The process involving various elements of society, organizers, security forces, and community leaders took place safely, peacefully, and democratically, reflecting the maturity of the Indonesian political system.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, gave high appreciation to all parties involved in this democratic process. The President expressed his gratitude to the General Election Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), and elements of society who contributed to creating an orderly Pilkada atmosphere. President Prabowo expressed his gratitude to Bawaslu, all elements who have succeeded in implementing the simultaneous Pilkada well, safely, orderly, and successfully.
The President also emphasized that dissatisfaction with the election results is a natural part of democracy. The government hopes that the entire election result dispute process can be pursued through the legal channels that have been determined in order to maintain justice and public trust in the democratic system.
The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, also expressed her appreciation for the smooth running of the 2024 Pilkada. In her speech on December 5, 2024, Puan highlighted the important role of the KPU, Bawaslu, and their staff in creating conducive Pilkada conditions. She also assessed that the safe situation during the Pilkada stages reflected the maturity of society in democracy.
Puan added that it is our shared duty to continue to perfect the Pilkada that truly gives sovereignty to the people in determining their choice. Pilkada must be free, honest, fair, and secret. She emphasized the importance of political energy going forward being directed to building the nation, especially in facing internal and external challenges in the field of national development.
The success of the 2024 Pilkada was also felt at the local level, such as in Lampung Province. The Head of the Lampung KPU, Erwan Bustami, expressed his gratitude for the Pilkada process which ran safely and democratically. Although the stages were very tiring, he was grateful for the success of the 2024 Pilkada in Lampung. This cannot be separated from the active role of the community and the media as pillars of democracy.
Lampung Police Chief, Inspector General. Pol. Helmy Santika, also gave appreciation to all elements that supported stability during the election process. He emphasized the importance of synergy between security forces, election organizers, and the community in maintaining a conducive atmosphere.
However, challenges remain. Several regencies in Lampung, such as Pesawaran, Pesisir Barat, and Way Kanan, have filed lawsuits against the election results to the Constitutional Court (MK). The Lampung KPU stated that it has prepared strategic steps to face the lawsuits, including ensuring data integrity and legal processes.
In Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, the Pilkada took place peacefully. Community leader, Maximus Air praised the implementation of the election which reflected true democracy. He also appealed to the public to maintain security, especially in facing the planned re-vote (PSU) at eight TPS.
Maximus highlighted the importance of political maturity in accepting the results of the regional elections. If there is dissatisfaction, take the legal route that is available. There is no need to act anarchically. This is an important lesson on how society can play an active role in maintaining stability and peace during the democratic process.
The success of the Pilkada was also felt in Pasuruan Regency. The Acting Regent of Pasuruan, Nurkholis, appreciated the local KPU and Bawaslu who had carried out all stages of the Pilkada well. The high level of public participation even in the rain showed the enthusiasm of the people in exercising their right to vote. The Head of the KPU of Pasuruan Regency, Ainul Yaqin, expressed his gratitude to all parties who contributed to maintaining conduciveness during the Pilkada.
The success of the 2024 Pilkada not only shows the maturity of Indonesia’s democratic system, but also emphasizes the commitment of all elements of the nation in realizing honest, fair, and democratic elections. Appreciation for the organizers, security forces, community leaders, and citizens who actively participated is a motivation to continue to improve the quality of elections in the future.
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections prove that Indonesia has an increasingly mature democratic system. This success cannot be separated from the hard work of the KPU, Bawaslu, security forces, candidate pairs, media, and active community participation. As a democratic party, the regional elections are an event for the people to determine regional leaders who are able to bring positive change.
From the national to regional levels, appreciation for the implementation of the Pilkada shows that Indonesian democracy is on the right track. With the spirit of mutual cooperation and a commitment to continue to improve the system, the 2024 Pilkada is real proof that Indonesia is able to organize a safe, fair, and dignified democratic process.
The future of Indonesian democracy lies in the hands of mature people, professional election organizers, and visionary leaders. The success of the 2024 Pilkada is proof that this nation is able to face challenges and continue to move forward to build a better Indonesia.
)* Contributor to Beritakapuas.com
