By: Dharma Sulaiman *(
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections are an important moment in Indonesia’s democratic life. The success of the regional elections does not only depend on the technical readiness of the organizers, but also on the active participation of the community. To realize a successful, honest, and fair regional election, all elements of society must play an active role in various stages of the election. From socialization, preventing hoaxes, to implementing elections at Polling Stations (TPS), active community involvement is an important key to creating a healthy democracy.
Public participation in the Pilkada is not only limited to voting on election day, but also involves awareness of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the democratic process as a whole. Active participation can be realized in various forms, such as participating in socialization organized by the General Election Commission (KPU) and related institutions, fighting the spread of hoaxes that can divide, and maintaining order and peace during the election stages.
For example, the North Kolaka Regency KPU and the Banyumas Regency KPU have held the 2024 Pilkada Parade to promote the importance of honest and fair elections. This activity directly involves the community through cultural and entertainment events held in each sub-district. The Pilkada Parade is not just a ceremonial event, but also an effective way to bring the democratic process closer to the community, increase awareness of the importance of voting, and encourage active citizen participation.
The success of the 2024 Pilkada also depends heavily on the synergy between various government institutions and the community. The Communication and Informatics Agency (Diskominfo) of the Riau Islands Province, for example, has committed to ensuring smooth communication and information throughout the region, especially in areas with limited internet access. This is important because it ensures that all polling stations can be properly connected, so that the vote recapitulation process can run smoothly.
The readiness of telecommunications infrastructure is also a major focus to ensure transparency and accessibility of the Pilkada. The Head of the Riau Islands Communication and Information Service, Hasan, emphasized the importance of strengthening communication networks to combat the spread of hoaxes and ensure the neutrality of state civil servants (ASN). This effort is important to maintain the integrity of the Pilkada and increase public trust in the election process and results.
As technology advances, the main challenge in organizing regional elections is the spread of false information or hoaxes, hate speech, and issues related to ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group (SARA). This incorrect information has the potential to divide society and create social instability. Therefore, it is important for the public to always verify the information received and not be easily provoked by irresponsible issues.
The government and various related parties, such as the Communication and Information Service and the KPU, have committed to preventing the spread of hoaxes through massive campaigns on social media and other media. The Head of the Kepri Communication and Information Service, Hasan, emphasized that the government will be at the forefront in fighting hoaxes that can cause unrest in society. Hasan added that his party will strengthen communication and information networks throughout the region, including areas with limited connectivity.
In addition, one of the important keys to increasing active community participation is through education and socialization. KPU in various regions has held voter socialization programs, such as the Kirab Pilkada held in Bekasi and Banyumas Regencies. This kirab event involved local arts and culture to attract public interest, while also providing a better understanding of the importance of exercising the right to vote.
Bekasi Regency KPU Chairman, Ali Rido emphasized that this procession aims to create smart voters and encourage community participation. In addition, this activity is a means to provide information about the stages of the election, the candidates who will compete, and the voting date, so that the community is better prepared to face the voting day.
A successful regional election is not only reflected in the high level of participation, but also in the implementation of peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections. The local government, KPU, Bawaslu, and other elements of society have a shared responsibility to maintain conduciveness during the regional election. As stated by the Acting Regional Secretary of Bekasi Regency, Jaoharul Alam, each party must maintain unity and togetherness during the regional election process, so that the 2024 regional election can run safely and peacefully.
With various efforts made by the government and related institutions, as well as active participation of the community, it is hoped that the 2024 simultaneous regional elections can be carried out successfully, bringing quality regional leaders, and creating a more mature democracy in Indonesia.
The 2024 Pilkada is not just an election, but a momentum to strengthen Indonesian democracy. Active community participation, support for communication infrastructure, and cooperation between institutions are the main components in realizing a successful, honest, and fair Pilkada. Through education, socialization, and emphasis on election integrity, the community is expected to take an active role in determining the future of their respective regions. Let’s work together to realize a successful and quality Pilkada 2024!
*(The author is a student from Makassar, Central Java.
