By: Septian Dwi Ramadhan
The dismissal of the Chairman of the General Election Commission (KPU), Hasyim Asy’ari, by the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) will not affect the stages of the 2024 simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada). This dismissal actually provides momentum for election organizers to show their professionalism and solidity in carrying out duties for the success of the regional elections.
Hasyim Asy’ari’s dismissal from his position as Chairman of the KPU may be surprising, but this does not necessarily shake the stability of the 2024 Pilkada. The process that has been organized and the mechanisms that are running well ensure that the Pilkada stages continue without significant obstacles.
Member of the DPR Government Commission, Yanuar Prihatin, assured that the Pilkada stages at various levels of the KPU, both in districts/cities and provinces, would continue smoothly.
The electoral system in Indonesia has often been tested through various elections, so the government’s experience in managing situations like this is quite mature. This provides a guarantee that even if there is a change in chairman, the implementation of the Pilkada will not be disrupted.
A system that has been used repeatedly shows that coordination and operations in the field have been running well and are able to overcome challenges such as the dismissal of the KPU chairman.
In the view of member of Commission II DPR RI, Guspardi Gaus, the collective-collegial system within the KPU ensures that responsibility is not only focused on one person. KPU commissioners work together and support each other in carrying out their duties.
Moreover, the main responsibility for regional elections lies with the regional KPU, whether district, city or provincial. This is different from the presidential and legislative elections which are more regulated by the central KPU. Thus, the dismissal of Hasyim Asy’ari will not disrupt the progress of the Pilkada stages that have been mutually agreed upon.
Experience in holding previous elections provides confidence that the preparation and implementation of the Regional Elections will continue as planned.
Steps taken to ensure the smooth running of the election process, such as voter data collection, have been implemented and will continue without any obstacles.
In this case, Yanuar emphasized that the mechanism that has been running well ensures that there will be no disruption in the Pilkada stages, even if there is a change in the chairman of the KPU.
DKPP gave Hasyim Asy’ari a permanent dismissal sanction because he was proven to have committed an ethical violation related to alleged sexual harassment. Although this decision was quite surprising, the quick response from the DPR in preparing a replacement shows commitment to maintaining the smoothness of the election process.
Hasyim’s replacement name will be taken from the list of 14 prospective KPU members for the 2022-2027 period, so there is no need to form a new committee. This ensures a quick and smooth transition in KPU leadership.
Next, the DPR will consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) to follow up on the appointment of a replacement candidate for Hasyim. Although the exact time for the consultation has not been determined, Yanuar confirmed that this will be carried out in the near future.
This shows that preparations for replacing the KPU chairman are being carried out seriously and immediately, to ensure that there is no leadership vacuum that could disrupt the Pilkada stages.
Apart from that, Guspardi reminded the KPU commissioners at the center, provinces and districts/cities to remain solid and not fall behind as a result of the DKPP’s decision. He stressed the importance of maintaining the good name of the KPU and working professionally to make the regional elections a success. Professional attitudes and solidity among KPU commissioners are key in maintaining the smoothness and credibility of the Pilkada administration.
In this situation, it is important for the KPU to show that they are still able to carry out their duties well even though there is a change in leadership. The KPU’s performance in preparing and implementing regional elections must continue to prioritize the principles of direct, general, free, confidential, honest and fair.
Professionalism and dedication in carrying out their duties will be proof that the KPU is able to overcome challenges and ensure the election process runs smoothly.
Even though there has been a change in leadership within the KPU, the stages of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections are still proceeding according to plan. This is proof that our democratic system is strong enough to face challenges and continue to function well.
The dismissal of KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy’ari is not the end of everything, but rather part of the ethical enforcement process that must be undertaken. Hopefully the regional elections will run smoothly, and the results will be accepted by the entire community with relief.
Experience and an established system ensure that the implementation of regional elections continues to run smoothly. With the support of all parties, including the DPR and the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as the solidity of KPU commissioners at all levels, it is hoped that the 2024 regional elections will be successful, honest and fair.
Let’s together maintain the integrity and credibility of holding regional elections. The active participation of the community in monitoring this process is very important to ensure that the upcoming elections truly reflect the will of the people.
Remain optimistic and believe that our democracy will mature and mature as time goes by. Let’s welcome the 2024 simultaneous regional elections with new enthusiasm, full of hope and commitment to making Indonesia better.
The author is a contributor to the Nusantara Reading Room
