The democratic celebration which was held on a large scale on February 14 2024 has been held. People flocked to the polling stations (TPS) with enthusiasm to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 elections. General elections are a crucial moment in the life of democracy in every country. However, it wasn’t until the votes were counted that new challenges emerged, especially those related to hoaxes or false information.
The 2024 election presents fierce political battles on social media and online platforms. After voting, the tendency to spread hoaxes tends to increase, especially regarding election results, government performance and information regarding elected candidates. Hoaxes can arise from various parties with political or economic motives.
The General Election Commission (KPU) has spoken out regarding the widespread narrative of fraud during the 2024 Election voting process at a number of polling stations. According to KPU Commissioner Idham Kholik, if there is an incident of fraud that occurs at the TPS, it should be detected immediately.
Idham said that the voting process was witnessed by witnesses and supervised by TPS supervisors and monitored by observers and seen directly by the public and covered by fellow journalists.
Idham also revealed that if there were indeed allegations of fraud in the 2024 election, then the process could be handled by Bawaslu. If there are strong indications of alleged violations in the voting process, Bawaslu will handle it.
Previously, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi spoke about the 2024 election voting process abroad and allegations of fraud in the election process. Jokowi invited the public to report to Bawaslu if there was fraud in the 2024 elections.
Apart from that, he said, the public can file a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court (MK) if they find election fraud. Jokowi said the public could follow the existing mechanisms.
Potential fraud that occurred during the 2024 election vote counting. The West Java Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) spoke out during an election monitoring patrol in the Sukabumi City area. This refers to the voting and counting of votes scheduled for 14-15 February 2024, based on article 49 paragraph 1 of General Election Commission Regulation (PKPU) number 25 of 2023.
West Java Bawaslu Community Participation and Prevention Division Coordinator Nuryamah said, in preventing potential fraud in the 2024 election, apart from making an appeal for vote counting to the KPU in the regions, his party also ensured that the number of logistics was accurate with Polling Place (TPS) data.
Despite the big challenges, efforts to overcome hoaxes after the 2024 election must be carried out together. First, increasing digital and media literacy for the public is very important so that they are able to sort and verify the information they receive.
Second, cooperation between the government, media institutions and digital platforms is needed to develop mechanisms for effective detection and handling of hoaxes. Third, there needs to be strict punishment for those who spread hoaxes to provide a deterrent effect and prevent the spread of hoaxes in the future.
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) KH Marsudi Syuhud appealed to the public to remain cool, peaceful, prioritize the common good, and continue to do positive things for the nation after the 2024 election voting.
Marsudi also expressed his gratitude because the Indonesian people had gone through a campaign period that drained their energy and thoughts, as well as feelings that sometimes made the situation heated. Regarding the results of the quick count as a sign of victory, Marsudi reminded all parties to continue to behave appropriately without exaggerating.
He invited all parties to wait for the results of the 2024 Election from the vote count collected at all polling stations (TPS) by the General Election Commission (KPU). He hopes that parties who have not been able to receive the results of the quick calculation can continue to do various positive things in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in Indonesia as a rule of law country.
This, according to Marsudi, is because the core of the state is mutual and has an eastern culture, namely adhering to agreed laws. Thus, if anyone considers there to be deficiencies or fraud in the implementation of elections, the legal route is wide open to take.
Head of the DIY Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Agung Rektono Seto, said that his party ensured that this year’s elections would be held well as a form of fulfilling the constitutional rights of Indonesian citizens (WNI).
Agung explained that in the process of holding TPS elections in special locations, the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights had taken steps to ensure that Correctional Inmates (WBP) could obtain their rights. One way is to coordinate with Law Enforcement Officials (APH) and election organizers.
Agung also advised all WBPs and officers to work together to maintain security and order in the implementation of the elections. Hopefully, through our votes we can all be elected a figure as a state leader who will take Indonesia in a more advanced direction.
Hoaxes after the 2024 election are a serious challenge to Indonesian democracy. However, with increased awareness and strong collaboration between government, society, media and digital platforms, we can build better resilience against hoaxes.
