Encouraging the Active Role of Regional Government in Making the 2024 Regional Election a Success
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) will be an important moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey. As a country that adheres to a decentralized system, the role of regional governments is vital in ensuring the successful implementation of regional elections. Regional government involvement covers various aspects ranging from technical preparation, outreach to the community, to maintaining security stability during the election process.
Realizing that community participation is the key to the success of regional elections, local governments have an important task in carrying out outreach and education for voters. The regional government collaborates with the KPU and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) to provide accurate information regarding the stages of the Pilkada, the importance of participation in the election, and the correct ways to cast a vote.
Deputy Mayor of Depok, Imam Budi Hartono, said that he would continue to provide full support to the Depok City General Election Commission (KPU) in socializing the stages of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada). This aims to ensure that the Depok City KPU can increase the number of voter participation in the Mayor Election. City and Deputy Mayor of Depok which will be held on November 27.
The target to be achieved is at least equivalent to the legislative election (Pileg) and the Presidential Election (Pilpres). All residents are also encouraged to play an active role in inviting all components of society to vote. Including sub-district heads, village heads and political party election participants.
Still in the West Java region, the Daily Acting Regional Secretary for the City of Bandung, Hikmat Ginanjar also encouraged all parties to provide input and participate in the 2024 Pilkada.
According to him, this democratic party is very important because it will determine the leaders and direction of development of the city of Bandung in the future. It also needs to be underlined that regional elections are a reflection of the strength and maturity of democracy at the local level. Therefore, he said thorough preparation and good coordination were very important.
All participants are asked to seriously pay attention and provide input for the smooth running of the regional elections in Bandung City. And must uphold the values of transparency and openness in the implementation of regional elections.
Wisdom also advised that the mapping of problems that might arise must be resolved. This is intended so that potential problems can be suppressed and there are no ripples in the future.
In other regions, such as South Sumatra Province, which is committed to ensuring that the administrative procedures for candidates who will register in the 2024 regional elections do not harm the candidates.
This was conveyed by the Regional Secretary of South Sumatra Province (Sumsel), Supriono. He appealed to all ASN and Pilkada organizers to continue to coordinate and work as well as possible according to their respective duties and functions. Supriono also reminded ASN again to comply with regulations regarding their neutrality in supporting the implementation of the Pilkada.
Apart from that, we must maintain South Sumatra as a zero conflict area and not easily fall for black campaigns. Regency/city governments must continue to synergize, collaborate and work together so that the regional elections can be carried out in an orderly, safe and smooth manner.
Meanwhile, the Head of the South Sumatra Regional Government and Autonomy Bureau, Sri Sulastri, conveyed the aim of the 2024 Pilkada Desk socialization activities to equalize perceptions regarding ASN as regional head candidates, mapping preparations for district/city regional elections, as analysis material for implementing safe and peaceful regional elections. . Apart from that, it is also to support the government in making the simultaneous regional elections a success, building synergy and minimizing the forms of problems and conflicts leading up to and after the regional elections.
Likewise regarding ASN discipline, the Acting Regent of West Muna, La Ode Butolo, said that in maintaining ASN discipline, his party always warns against getting involved in practical politics. Because by taking part in practical politics, it indicates that ASN is not neutral. Moreover, ASN is a public servant who can be trusted by all levels of society.
This is based on Law Number 94 of 2021 concerning Civil Servant Discipline. Apart from that, Law Number 42 of 2004 concerning the Development of Corps Spirit and the Code of Ethics for Civil Servants.
For your information, practical politics is a dimension in which political parties carry out a critical role in developing campaign strategies, formulating policies and carrying out political interactions. As an arena for the battle of ideas and interests, practical politics reflects the dynamics of change in society. However, it should be noted that practical politics does not always coexist with identity politics.
The involvement of local governments in the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada is essential. Their role is to ensure that each stage of the regional elections runs smoothly and democratically. Despite facing various challenges, with good coordination and commitment to democratic principles, regional governments can contribute significantly to the success of the 2024 Pilkada.
The active role of local governments not only ensures a smooth electoral process but also strengthens the foundations of democracy at the local level, which will ultimately contribute to the stability and progress of the country as a whole.
