By: Julvri Liben )*
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is an important moment, especially for regions that have their own characteristics, such as Papua. Amidst complex geographical, social, and political challenges, cross-sectoral synergy is the main key to ensuring that the Pilkada in Papua can run smoothly, safely, and without disruption. This synergy not only involves the central and regional governments, but also various elements of society, security forces, and non-governmental organizations that are committed to maintaining order and democracy in Papua.
Papua, with its vast territory, often faces various obstacles in organizing general elections. Therefore, collaboration between various sectors is very necessary to overcome these obstacles. Cross-sectoral synergy, involving cooperation between the government, security forces, civil society, and local community organizations, plays a very vital role in creating a conducive atmosphere for voters throughout Papua.
Deputy Chief of Papua Police, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani said that the implementation of the Pilkada is getting closer, so his party emphasized to collaborate with each other in maintaining security in Papua. Faizal also emphasized to all members to carry out their duties according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This is important so that the implementation of the Pilkada in Papua can run safely and smoothly.
Then the central government, in this case through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the General Election Commission (KPU), has taken strategic steps to ensure that the Pilkada in Papua can be implemented according to the schedule that has been set. One of the important steps taken is strengthening the capacity of election organizers, both at the provincial, district/city, and village levels. Intensive training for election officials and improving the quality of election infrastructure, such as timely procurement of logistics and voting facilities that are easily accessible to the public, are part of the effort to ensure that the democratic process can take place without obstacles.
In addition, the security forces consisting of the TNI and Polri also have a very strategic role in maintaining stability and order during the campaign period until the voting. With various social dynamics that often arise in Papua, the presence of professional and humanist security forces is very important in reducing the potential for riots or conflicts. The synergy between the TNI, Polri, and the local community is a solid foundation for keeping the situation safe and under control.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Human Resources and Organization Division (SDMO) of the Central Papua Bawaslu, Melianus Julius Korisano, said that his party held an election socialization targeting new voters in Nabire Regency. This activity aims to provide an understanding to new voters regarding their rights and obligations in exercising their right to vote in the 2024 Pilkada. This is important because in addition to reducing the number of abstentions, the young generation of Papua is becoming more aware of their role in the election process that determines the future of the region.
Furthermore, the involvement of community and traditional leaders is very important, because they have a strong influence in determining the attitudes and actions of the community at the grassroots level. Traditional and religious leaders in Papua are often role models and voices heard by the local community. Therefore, their involvement in supporting the implementation of a peaceful and safe Pilkada is very important.
Traditional Figure and Head of Kamoro Tribe in Timika, Marianus Magnaiteku said that his party appreciates the security forces for their dedication in maintaining Kamtibmas in Papua region, especially ahead of the Pilkada implementation. Pilkada is a very important moment, therefore all people must maintain conduciveness and security so that the Pilkada implementation in Papua can run well.
This cross-sectoral synergy is also manifested in the efforts made by the government to improve infrastructure and accessibility in the Papua region. One of the major obstacles in organizing the Pilkada in Papua is the limited adequate infrastructure. Remote areas in Papua are often difficult to reach, both by election officials and voters themselves. For this reason, the central and regional governments continue to work hard to improve access to transportation and communication, so that election logistics can reach even remote locations.
The diverse Papuan society, with different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, often faces challenges in maintaining unity. However, cross-sectoral synergy involving various elements of society, both in terms of government, security forces, and community leaders, can reduce the potential for division. In the spirit of togetherness, the Pilkada is not only used as an event to elect leaders, but also as a means to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and togetherness among Papuans.
Through solid cross-sectoral synergy, the Pilkada in Papua can take place peacefully, safely, and full of democratic spirit. The cooperation between the government, security forces, civil society, and local organizations not only creates a conducive atmosphere, but also strengthens the sense of unity in Papua. With a shared commitment, the Pilkada can be an important momentum to encourage regional development and improve the quality of social and political life of the Papuan people.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
