By: Vina G. )*
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections have just been completed with full enthusiasm and democratic spirit. Thousands of regional head candidates from various regions in Indonesia competed to win the hearts of the people with promises of change and progress. However, behind the dynamic political process, there is one thing that must always be our main concern as a nation, namely unity.
The government, through various institutions and national figures, emphasized the importance of maintaining unity after the 2024 Pilkada, because only with unity can Indonesia move forward, unite in diversity, and respond to increasingly complex global challenges.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said that national unity is an irreplaceable foundation for Indonesia’s development. AHY emphasized that after the Pilkada, this nation must immediately move to strengthen unity again in order to encourage greater progress.
AHY emphasized that the public must end all differences during the campaign, including the quite exciting debates held by the KPUD in various regions. He also reminded the importance of upholding the law, ethics, and norms in every democratic process. Differences in choice are part of a healthy and mature democratic process. Democracy is not only about running elections and regional elections, but also about the quality of democracy itself, and the direction of our nation is determined by that quality.
Pilkada is indeed an important part of the democratic process, but it should not divide this nation. The public must believe that despite differences in choice in Pilkada, we all have the same goal, namely a more advanced, prosperous, and united Indonesia.
Pilkada often brings various differences in political views and preferences, but in fact, this is a manifestation of freedom of speech and participation in the democratic process. However, this also requires political maturity from all parties so that there is no division, especially at the local level.
IAIN Takengon academic, Sutrisno, is also optimistic that the new leader can bring significant changes. The public is reminded to be wary of individuals who try to divide unity. The regional elections are considered a moment to strengthen communication and brotherhood. Differences in political attitudes during the campaign must be placed as part of democracy. Whoever is elected is a leader for all.
Sutrisno appealed that after the implementation of the Simultaneous Regional Elections, Pilkada participants and their supporters should avoid provocation and hate speech. If you feel there is cheating, use legal channels such as filing a report to Bawaslu or the Constitutional Court, and avoid actions that can worsen the situation.
Then, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said that it is important to maintain the bonds of unity and togetherness among all elements of society after going through the Pilkada process. The role of the DPR as a representative of the people is not only focused on the legislative process, but also as a unifying agent that ensures that political differences do not become a divider for the nation. Do not let the Pilkada end up being an event to bring each other down. After this democratic party is over, the community is asked to unite again to build the nation, because unity is the key for Indonesia to continue to progress.
Although many political dynamics emerged during the Pilkada, both from candidate contests, campaign teams, and social media, Sufmi emphasized that in the end, all Indonesian people are part of one whole that should not be divided by momentary politics. The formation of a new regional cabinet after the Pilkada must be used to foster a spirit of togetherness in order to realize a better vision and mission for regional development.
Meanwhile, the importance of maintaining unity after the regional elections was also highlighted by the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Da’wah Commission, KH Ahmad Zubaidi. In his view, religion has a very important role in uniting humanity, especially in the context of post-regional elections which often leave differences. Religion always teaches us to always maintain unity, even though there are differences in political choices. Differences are natural, but the most important thing is how society responds to these differences wisely so as not to damage the bonds of unity that have been formed.
Religious teachings in Islam strongly emphasize the importance of ukhuwah Islamiyah, namely brotherhood among fellow Muslims, but also ukhuwah wathaniyah, namely brotherhood in a broader national context. As a nation whose majority population is Muslim, Indonesia must be able to be an example in the international world in showing that diversity is not an obstacle to unity, but rather a strength that enriches this nation. Pilkada should also be an event to demonstrate political maturity, not to foster hatred or hostility.
After the 2024 simultaneous regional elections which were full of political dynamics, it is time for all components of the nation to join hands and move together towards a better future. The community must also focus on development and shared prosperity. Every citizen, regardless of who they vote for, has a very important role in advancing this country. Therefore, we must maintain unity and avoid attitudes that can divide the nation. Let’s take care of Indonesia together with the spirit of unity, for a better and more advanced Indonesia.
)* The author is a Postgraduate Student.
