By: Nover Saputra Herman)*
The re-voting (PSU) that has been implemented in various regions in April 2025 shows the maturity of the nation’s democracy. Amidst the technical challenges and political dynamics that accompany this process, the implementation of the PSU was able to take place safely, peacefully, and orderly, so it deserves to be appreciated. The quality of the implementation and results of the PSU vote count are a reflection of the commitment of all parties to maintaining the integrity of democracy at the local level.
In Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Regency, East Kalimantan, the implementation of the PSU on April 19, 2025, went smoothly. Based on the quick count results conducted by the independent survey institution SCL Taktika, candidate pair number 01, Aulia-Rendi, are temporarily ahead with 56.56 percent of the vote. Candidate pair number 03, Dendi-Alif, are in second place with 29.13 percent of the vote, followed by candidate pair number 02, Ayl AZA, with 14.31 percent of the vote. Data collected from 400 enumerators spread across 20 sub-districts shows the dominance of Aulia-Rendi’s votes in the PSU.
Member of the East Kalimantan Provincial DPRD, Salehuddin, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the PSU in Kukar which went well, peacefully, and democratically. He considered that the implementation should be an example, considering the existing challenges such as flood conditions that had caused the relocation of Polling Stations (TPS). However, the voting process continued smoothly without any major incidents that had the potential to harm democracy.
Voter participation is one of the important aspects highlighted. Salehuddin expressed his hope that residents would continue to show high enthusiasm in exercising their right to vote, despite having to face less than friendly weather conditions. High voter participation is an indicator of the success of the PSU implementation, especially since Kutai Kartanegara has a strategic role in supporting the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan.
Responding to the quick count results , Salehuddin invited all candidates and their supporters to be mature in accepting the official results that will be announced by the General Election Commission (KPU). He emphasized that maintaining regional unity and stability is more important than simply winning a political contest. According to him, true democracy is not just about winning or losing, but about a shared commitment to building the region and strengthening social cohesion.
Not only in East Kalimantan, the successful implementation of PSU was also seen in Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra. On April 21, 2025, the people of Pasaman showed a high spirit of democracy by crowding the TPS since morning. The high participation of residents was a proud sight, reflecting public awareness of the importance of their role in determining the future of the region.
West Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Gatot Tri Suryanta, also directly monitored the implementation of the PSU in several locations in Pasaman. He appreciated the active participation of the community and the solid synergy between election organizers, security forces, and all related parties. The West Sumatra Police Chief considered this success as proof that democracy can run hand in hand with the creation of security and order.
Until the vote counting process at the TPS level, the situation throughout the Pasaman area remains safe and under control. Tight security by joint TNI-Polri personnel, as well as the maturity of the community in politics, are the main keys to the smooth running of the PSU. For this success, the West Sumatra Regional Police expressed their gratitude to all parties, including the KPU, Bawaslu, election participants, community leaders, and all residents of Pasaman Regency.
Meanwhile, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, the implementation of the PSU for the Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor also went smoothly on April 19, 2025. The South Kalimantan Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, expressed his gratitude and thanks to all parties for the success of the PSU. He emphasized that this success was thanks to the strong synergy between the TNI, Polri, KPU, Bawaslu, local governments, and active community participation.
The South Kalimantan Police Chief praised the awareness of the Banjarbaru community in maintaining peace during the PSU stages. Active participation and commitment to comply with the rules are the main keys to the success of the PSU implementation. With tight security from the authorities, all stages ran orderly without significant disruption, reflecting the maturity of democracy of the Banjarbaru community.
It is undeniable that the success of the PSU in various regions is the result of systematic hard work. The KPU and Bawaslu in each region have shown high professionalism in managing each stage, starting from logistical preparation, socialization to the community, to supervision of the vote counting process. Security forces also play a crucial role by ensuring that the entire series of activities run safely, comfortably, and orderly.
The momentum of the PSU is also a reminder that democracy is not just a five-yearly ceremony. Democracy is a process that demands maturity of attitude, patience in facing differences, and commitment in prioritizing common interests over group interests. The peaceful PSU reflects the collective awareness of society about the importance of maintaining social stability for the sake of sustainable development.
By maintaining political maturity, respecting every election result, and rejecting all forms of provocation, the Indonesian nation will be able to strengthen its democratic journey. This successful PSU is a reflection of great hope towards a more mature, just, and integrity-based democracy, for the progress of the nation and region.
)* The author is a political observer
