*) By: Andi Dwi Setiawan
The 2024 simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) are just around the corner, and all Indonesian people have high hopes that this democratic process will run honestly, fairly and transparently. Pilkada is not just a place to elect leaders, but is also an important momentum for society to emphasize its commitment to a healthy democracy and integrity. Therefore, the participation and active role of all parties is very much needed to oversee the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada.The General Election Commission (KPU) as the main election organizer has a crucial role in ensuring that each stage of the Regional Election runs in accordance with applicable regulations. The KPU worked hard to compile an accurate voter list, organize election logistics, and ensure all procedures were carried out properly. Apart from that, the KPU also continues to educate the public by providing effective voter education so that they understand the importance of their participation in the Pilkada.Meanwhile, the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) has an important task in supervising the running of the Pilkada. Bawaslu ensures that there is no fraud or violations that could damage the integrity of the election. Through strict monitoring and strict law enforcement, Bawaslu plays a role in ensuring that every candidate and political party competes fairly.The Acting Regent of Tabalong, Hamida Munawarah, said that all levels of society must support and oversee the 2024 Regional Election process. It is hoped that the election results will reflect the voices and desires of the people. He explained that the Pilkada was a golden opportunity for the community to voice their aspirations and elect leaders who would lead the region towards better change. He hopes that this launch moment will be an initial milestone to boost the spirit of participation of all relevant elements in efforts to make all stages of the election of the Regent and Deputy Regent of Tabalong Regency a success.To ensure that the 2024 Pilkada runs honestly and fairly, collaboration from all parties is very important. Election organizers, government, security forces, mass media, civil society and voters must work together and support each other in carrying out their respective roles and responsibilities.
With strong synergy between all elements of society, it is hoped that the 2024 Pilkada can produce regional leaders who are qualified, have integrity and are able to bring positive change to their respective regions. Honest and fair regional elections not only reflect the maturity of democracy in Indonesia, but also provide a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive development in the future.Head of Communications and Public Information at the SP Tuban Diskominfo, Rita Zahara Afrianti, said that ahead of the simultaneous regional elections which will be held on November 27, the SP Tuban Diskominfo is observing the potential for an increase in the number of fake news or hoaxes. The existence of fake news is considered to be able to disrupt the democratic process and create distrust in society. To face these challenges, Diskominfo SP Tuban continues to strive to straighten out any false information or disinformation circulating in the community with the aim of providing clarification and education, ensuring that the public gets correct and trustworthy information through the Hoax Clinic program.He hopes that the 2024 Pilkada can take place peacefully, with quality and health, so that it can improve the quality of democracy in Indonesia. He also appealed to all people to be wise in choosing and speaking out, especially on social media. In a digital era full of information flow, people are expected to be more careful before spreading informationIt is known that the mass media plays a significant role in ensuring honest and fair regional elections. The media must act as a conveyor of accurate and impartial information, as well as being a critical observer of every stage of the regional elections. Through objective reporting and in-depth investigations, the media can help uncover various frauds or violations that may occur.Apart from that, the media also has a responsibility to educate voters through reporting that encourages active public participation in the regional elections. By disseminating information about the candidates’ vision, mission and work programs, the media helps voters make wiser decisions based on correct information.All parties, including the government, media and society, must work together to verify information and educate the public. By increasing digital literacy, we will be able to reduce the negative impact of hoaxes in the upcoming November 2024 regional elections.The 2024 regional elections are an important moment for all Indonesian people to show their commitment to a healthy democracy and integrity. With the active role of the KPU, Bawaslu, government, security forces, mass media, civil society and voters, it is hoped that the Pilkada process can run honestly, fairly and transparently.In conclusion, everyone plays a role in overseeing the 2024 Regional Elections so that they can produce the best leaders for the nation and state. A strong democracy can only be realized with active participation and collaboration from all elements of society.*) The author is a contributor to Jurno.ID