By: Robby Purnomo )*
A revote (PSU) is one of the constitutional mechanisms guaranteed by the Indonesian democratic system. This process is designed as a form of correction to potential errors in the implementation of the election that has taken place. Therefore, accepting the PSU results with an open heart is a reflection of political maturity and commitment to a healthy democracy. In this context, PSU is not just about winning or losing, but about maintaining public trust in a transparent and accountable election system.
The Constitutional Court (MK) as the highest judicial institution in election disputes has carried out its duties professionally and independently. The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Suhartoyo, emphasized that in examining all statements from the applicant, the response from the General Election Commission (KPU), and statements from the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), no indication of unprofessionalism was found from the election organizers. The Constitutional Court also emphasized that information sourced from social media is subjective and anonymous, so it cannot be used as valid and convincing legal evidence in court.
Suhartoyo explained that the Constitutional Court had read out the verdict for seven regional election dispute cases, namely two cases each in Banjarbaru City and Tasikmalaya Regency, and one case each in North Gorontalo, Empat Lawang, and South Bengkulu. This decision was based on clear factual and legal evidence, not on personal opinions or perceptions that developed in the digital space. This shows the Constitutional Court’s commitment to maintaining election integrity and providing justice objectively.
In North Gorontalo, the Head of the Gorontalo Province Bawaslu, Idris Usuli, stated that the Indonesian Bawaslu had decided that the objection memo filed by the Legal Team of Candidate Pair 01 (Roni Imran-Ramadhan Mapaliey) with Number: 01/REG/K/TSM-PB/BAWASLU//V/2025 against Candidate Pair 02 (Thoriq Modanggu-Nurjana Hasan Yusuf) was declared unacceptable. This decision reflects the firmness of the election supervisory institution in ensuring that the entire objection process must meet the formal and material aspects in accordance with the provisions of the law. This shows that efforts to maintain the integrity of the election are not only carried out by the KPU and MK, but also Bawaslu as a non-negotiable pillar of supervision.
The Bawaslu decision also sends a strong message to all election participants that dissatisfaction with the results must be channeled through a legal and responsible mechanism. It is not enough to just spread narratives in the public space without strong evidence, but must go through legal channels that are regulated constitutionally. The professional attitude of the election organizers and supervisors is an important foundation in building public trust in democracy.
The statesmanlike attitude was also shown by regional leaders who welcomed the PSU results wisely. The Deputy Governor of Gorontalo, Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, openly invited all residents of North Gorontalo to accept the PSU results that had been implemented. He emphasized that the KPU had officially determined the results of the vote recapitulation, and thus all parties must begin to end all forms of debate that could disrupt social order. In his view, accepting the PSU results is an important step in rebuilding public trust and strengthening local democracy.
In line with this, the Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru, reminded the importance of political maturity in responding to the PSU results, especially for all people in Empat Lawang Regency. Deru emphasized that all parties, both winners and losers, must accept the decision with a big heart in order to maintain stability and continuity of development in the region. Herman Deru also believes that the democratic process must be followed by moral responsibility and a wise attitude, so that there is no polarization that is detrimental to society at large.
These statements show that democracy is not only limited to the voting process, but also includes acceptance of the results. In a mature democratic system, defeat is not the end of participation, but rather the starting point to continue contributing to development through a constructive role. Conversely, victory does not mean having absolute power, but rather the responsibility to fulfill the people’s expectations fairly and inclusively.
It is important to understand that the PSU results that have been ratified by the KPU and confirmed by the Constitutional Court’s decision are the final results of a legitimate democratic process. Therefore, any form of rejection that is not based on strong legal evidence will only create social tension and disrupt political stability. The public needs to be convinced that the Indonesian election system hasa reliable corrective mechanism, so that there is no room for excessive suspicion.
Furthermore, acceptance of the PSU results is also part of political education that educates the public. By being mature and rational in responding to political dynamics, the public plays a role in maintaining social conduciveness and strengthening the foundations of democracy that have been built so far. This is especially important in welcoming the next elections so that they take place better and more credibly.
The government and election organizers, in this case the KPU and Bawaslu, have shown their commitment to ensuring the implementation of a transparent and fair PSU. With strict supervision and active involvement of the public and the media, the implementation of the PSU is running according to the applicable legal corridor. Of course, there is no perfect system, but the most important thing is that there are continuous efforts to improve the democratic process systematically and participatively.
That way, it is hoped that the public can jointly place the PSU results within the framework of civilized democratic progress. The democratic process does not stop on voting day, but continues in the form of acceptance of the results and real contributions to development. Being open-minded in accepting the results of the PSU is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of political maturity and commitment to a better future. With this spirit, all elements of society can move forward as a mature, solid nation, and ready to face global challenges together.
)* The author is a Political Observer.
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