The Key Role of Journalist Professionalism in Maintaining the Success of the 2024 Regional Elections
By: Denny Sutjipto(*
In facing the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, the role of journalists as the spearhead of information is very important to ensure transparency, openness, and integrity in the democratic process. The ability of journalists to convey accurate, balanced, and impartial information is the main pillar so that the public can objectively assess the regional head candidates who will lead their regions.
In addition, the professionalism of journalists is the basis for maintaining the stability and smoothness of the democratic party, so that the public is not trapped in false or biased information. Thus, the professionalism of the press not only supports the smoothness of the Pilkada, but also provides a real contribution to the development of Indonesian democracy.
The Chairperson of the Press Council, Ninik Rahayu, emphasized that the transparency of information from election organizing institutions such as the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) is very crucial for journalists. According to her, the KPU and Bawaslu must be transparent in providing information to the media. This is because, in the 2024 Pilkada which will involve many regions in Indonesia, the public needs information that is easily accessible through the mass media. Without transparency of information, the task of journalists to provide accurate and comprehensive reports will be increasingly difficult, and this has the potential to cause disinformation in the community.
Ninik assessed that the media does not need to be invited by election organizing institutions to cover their activities. Simply by opening access when journalists ask or need relevant information, it can facilitate the distribution of information to the public. This is in line with the principle of openness of public information which encourages increased public participation in the democratic party. With the availability of comprehensive and transparent information, the public can get to know the regional head candidates better, so that they can make more informed choices in the 2024 Pilkada.
Furthermore, Ninik also reminded of the importance of media independence, especially during sensitive times such as elections and regional elections. Referring to Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press and the Journalistic Code of Ethics, the media has an obligation to convey information neutrally and not to side with one of the candidate pairs. If a media wants to provide support to a particular candidate, Ninik suggests that this be conveyed openly to the public. Thus, the public will know the media’s bias and can respond wisely, so that there is no biased information that is detrimental to the public.
The independence of the press is very important, especially in presenting accurate and factual information. Sometimes, in political competition, disinformation or fake news (hoaxes) can easily spread and cause unrest in society. The media has a responsibility to verify the information they convey so as not to get caught up in the spread of hoaxes. The professionalism of journalists in upholding the independence and accuracy of information is the main key to ensuring that the Pilkada runs smoothly and produces credible and competent leaders.
Support for the importance of media professionalism was also conveyed by Astri Megatari, a member of the DKI Jakarta Provincial KPU. Astri stated that the media has a very important role in socializing regional head candidates to the public. Based on her observations, there are still many voters in Jakarta who do not know the candidate pairs who will compete in the DKI Jakarta Pilkada. Therefore, balanced and informative media coverage will help the public get to know the candidates and make more informed decisions.
In addition, Astri also reminded the media of the importance of complying with the Pilkada rules during the quiet period. During this period, the mass media, both print and electronic, are prohibited from broadcasting advertisements or news that could benefit or harm one of the candidate pairs. A professional attitude in complying with the Pilkada rules is a form of media support for efforts to maintain justice and stability during the election process. The success of the Pilkada is not only determined by the candidates and public participation, but also by the media’s compliance in upholding the principle of professionalism.
A similar opinion was expressed by the Coordinator of the Violation Handling Division of Bawaslu DKI Jakarta, Benny Sabdo, who saw that the media has a strategic position in the implementation of the Pilkada. For Bawaslu, the media is not only a partner in disseminating information, but also as part of the supervision efforts so that the Pilkada takes place honestly and fairly. The media, said Benny, is the “eyes and ears” of the community that is able to voice any form of violation or injustice that may occur in the Pilkada process.
Benny also noted that the escalation of the Jakarta Pilkada has begun to increase, as seen from the reports submitted to Bawaslu. However, he still hopes that the media will continue to oversee the course of democracy with integrity and professionalism. In this dynamic and challenging situation, the role of the media is very important to keep the democratic process healthy and running according to the rules.
Overall, the professionalism of journalists in presenting balanced, accurate, and impartial information is an important foundation in ensuring the success of the 2024 Pilkada. Journalists are not only tasked with conveying information, but also being part of the guardians of democracy who ensure that the election process runs in accordance with democratic principles. Transparency of information from election organizing institutions such as the KPU and Bawaslu, as well as the commitment of journalists in carrying out their duties professionally, is an important collaboration to create an honest and fair Pilkada.
Therefore, supporting the professionalism of journalists in covering the 2024 Pilkada is not only beneficial for the success of this democratic party, but also becomes part of a joint effort to build a more democratic and integrity-based future for the nation. Professional, independent, and accuracy-committed media is a reflection of the progress of democracy in Indonesia and will be one of the important elements in producing competent and trustworthy leaders in leading their respective regions.
*(The author is a contributor to PolitiKita magazine
