By: Igianus Warambae*)
Ahead of the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in Papua, various traditional figures and community leaders have voiced their support for the implementation of safe and peaceful elections. This initiative reflects the strong commitment of local stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the democratic process in the region.
Kamoro Tribe Traditional Figure, Marianus Magnaiteku, emphasized the importance of viewing the Pilkada not only as an arena for different choices, but as a valuable opportunity to celebrate democracy in Papua. He invited all levels of society to participate in supporting the smooth running of the Pilkada, with the aim of making Papua a better shared home.
Magnaiteku also reminded that maintaining peace and security during the Pilkada process is a shared responsibility of all Papuan people. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Papua as a peaceful land and continuing to develop in a better direction. Furthermore, this traditional figure emphasized that the Pilkada is a national agenda that requires support from all parties.
In an effort to realize a safe and peaceful Pilkada, Magnaiteku appealed to the public to avoid any form of action that could trigger friction, either between candidate pairs or between supporters. He believes that by maintaining calm and order, Papua can be an example of the implementation of a peaceful and togetherness democracy.
Calls for a safe and peaceful Pilkada have also been heard in Keerom Regency, Papua. Entering the campaign period, a number of local figures have voiced their rejection of identity politics which is still being used massively by certain individuals in an effort to win the Papua Gubernatorial Election (Pilgub).
Chairman of the Keerom Customary Council, Jakobus Mekawa, invited all parties to be more mature in politics. He emphasized that the ongoing peaceful election process was in accordance with applicable regulations. Therefore, Mekawa considered it unethical if there were parties who continued to try to fool the public with SARA issues.
Mekawa reminded that all Papuans have the same rights to run for regional head. He emphasized that the candidates running in the gubernatorial election are all native sons and daughters of Papua, in accordance with the provisions contained in the Papua Special Autonomy Law.
Meanwhile, the security forces also played an active role in efforts to realize a safe and peaceful Pilkada in Papua. The Papua Regional Police have intensified raids to create conditions ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. These raids involved joint personnel from various Papua Police Work Units (Satker).
Head of Unit III Jatanras Polda Papua, Iptu Gema Brajaksono, emphasized that this raid targeted vehicles suspected of being involved in criminal acts of motor vehicle theft (curanmor), violent theft (curas), aggravated theft (curat), as well as the distribution of narcotics and sharp weapons (sajam).
This raid is not only limited to checking vehicle owners, but also involves checking belongings with the help of female police personnel (Polwan). Brajaksono emphasized that there is no loophole for any criminal acts, including motorcycle theft, robbery, curat, and drug trafficking. He emphasized that this effort is part of the police’s duty to eradicate things that can disrupt security ahead of the Pilkada.
These initiatives taken by traditional figures, community leaders, and security forces demonstrate a collective awareness of the importance of creating a conducive environment for the implementation of a safe and peaceful Pilkada in Papua. These efforts are not only aimed at ensuring a smooth election process, but also at maintaining unity and preventing potential conflicts that may arise between candidate pairs and their supporters.
The active role of traditional figures such as Marianus Magnaiteku and Jakobus Mekawa in voicing the importance of a safe and peaceful Pilkada reflects local wisdom that is still highly respected by the Papuan people. They not only act as guardians of tradition, but also as agents of change who encourage healthy and constructive democratic participation. By prioritizing the values of togetherness and respecting diversity, these traditional figures strive to build a strong foundation for democracy in Papua.
On the other hand, the proactive steps taken by the Papua Regional Police in securing the situation ahead of the Pilkada show the seriousness of the security forces in supporting the realization of a safe and peaceful election. The raids carried out were not only aimed at preventing criminal acts, but also to create a sense of security among the community so that they can exercise their right to vote without fear or pressure.
The collaboration between traditional figures, community leaders, and security forces in encouraging a safe and peaceful Pilkada in Papua is a good example of how various elements of society can work together to achieve common goals. It also shows that Papuans have the capacity and will to resolve their political and social challenges independently and peacefully.
Through these efforts, Papua not only has the potential to become an example of successful implementation of democracy, but can also prove that diversity is not an obstacle, but rather a strength in building a better future for the entire community.
*) The author is a Papuan human rights activist.
