By : Vania Salsabila Pratama )*
In the context of the 2024 Pilkada, it is important for us to reject all forms of politics that use issues of ethnicity, religion, race and intergroup (SARA). Not only to maintain the integrity of the democratic process, but also to honor the struggle of the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence. It’s time for us to unite to ensure that the Pilkada runs without money politics and without SARA sentiments that can damage national unity.
Karangasem Regency Bawaslu member, Azwardi Natta, expressed great hope that the 2024 regional elections would be free from money politics and SARA issues. This statement was conveyed during the socialization of participatory supervisors at the Mediterranean Karangasem Campus on July 29.
According to Azwardi, actions in the name of class, group, religion, ethnicity and race by insulting, inciting and pitting one against another, especially in politics, can damage the unity and integrity of the nation. This kind of action harms the values of the heroes’ struggle and must be prevented.
Azwardi also emphasized the importance of preventing the practice of money politics. Money politics can produce leaders who only care about personal and group interests, not the people who elected them. Money politics is an attempt to influence voters’ choices in an unethical way, which can destroy the area led by the elected leader through this method.
On the other hand, Bawaslu also ensures that people who have the right to vote are registered on the voter list. This is one of the constitutional rights that must be protected. By ensuring that all members of the public are registered, Bawaslu helps maintain the integrity of the election process.
Likewise, Sijunjung Police Chief, AKBP Andre Anas, also reminded the importance of healthy politics and badunsanak (brothers) and invited the public to avoid spreading SARA issues, black campaigns, and things that could trigger divisions.
In a democracy, differences of opinion are a symbol of societal maturity. The regional election process must be carried out in a healthy, sportsmanlike, honest and fair manner to produce quality leaders.
Andre emphasized that the 2024 Pilkada must be carried out in the spirit of the Badunsanak Pilkada. The Pilkada stages have begun with the official launch by the Sijunjung Regency KPU at Simpang Tugu Muaro Sijunjung on July 8. The security and social security situation must remain conducive, and the community must maintain a calm atmosphere.
Andre also added the importance of prioritizing healthy politics and avoiding actions that violate the law. The active role of Ninik Mamak, Bundo Kanduang and community leaders is also needed to create a conducive political climate and promote the concept of the Badunsanak Regional Election.
Currently, the publication of names of regional head candidate pairs is often carried out by success teams and volunteers via social media, such as Facebook. However, social media users often attack each other and corner other couples with negative issues, even leading to SARA.
In politics, society must uphold ethical values and human principles. The National Police’s Cybercrime Team carries out monitoring to prevent violations of the law.
In Berau, East Kalimantan, the DPD Tanah Jawi Family Community Association (Ikapakarti) also declared itself to oversee the 2024 regional elections peacefully and reject the politics of SARA issues. This declaration was held at the peak of Ikapakarti’s 21st anniversary celebration at the Tanjung Redeb Youth Sports Hall. As the largest social organization in Berau, this step is important to ensure that the democratic process runs safely and conducively.
Secretary of the Ikapakarti Berau DPD, Aan Wibowo, emphasized that this declaration was part of Ikapakarti’s stance to reject divisions in society. Ikapakarti rejects all forms of efforts that could cause division, provocation, incitement and hate speech. They also emphasized that the regional elections must take place peacefully, with warmth and family.
Ikapakarti, who is not affiliated with any political party, invited all regional election contestants to prioritize unity in society. Pilkada organizers and supervisors must act neutrally so that the election process is direct, public, free, confidential, honest and fair.
Aan Wibowo also invited the public to actively participate in the regional elections and vote. Community participation is the key to the success of democracy in the future. Ikapakarti also rejected the abstention movement (white group) because it could damage the quality of democracy. The 2024 regional elections are a test of Indonesia’s democratic maturity. Maintaining peace and national unity is not only the responsibility of election organizers, but also every citizen. Rejecting money politics and SARA issues is a real step to ensure that elections run honestly, fairly and with dignity.
It’s time for all of us to commit to supporting peaceful and quality elections, prioritizing unity above all differences. Let us together reject all forms of provocation that can damage togetherness and maintain the spirit of Pilkada as an arena for healthy democracy.
In this way, we not only celebrate democracy, but also strengthen the foundations of a strong and harmonious nation. Hopefully the 2024 regional elections will be a momentum for all of us to strengthen unity and create a peaceful and advanced Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara
