By: Siska Aprilia)*
Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) are one of the important pillars of Indonesian democracy. Through Pilkada, the public is given the opportunity to elect regional leaders who will hold control over public policy, development, and welfare for the next five years. However, along with the importance of this process, a disturbing phenomenon has emerged, namely the white group (golput) or not using the right to vote. Golput often occurs for various reasons, ranging from political apathy, dissatisfaction with candidates, to lack of information. In fact, golput is not a good solution for the future of the region, but can reduce the quality of democracy itself.
Active participation in the Pilkada is the responsibility of every citizen who has the right to vote. Pilkada is not just about choosing a leader, but also determining the direction of development and community welfare. The elected leader will have great power and responsibility to manage regional resources, advance the economic, education, health, and infrastructure sectors. Therefore, every vote given in the Pilkada has great meaning in determining the future of the region.
Chairman of the Indonesian KPU, Mochammad Afifuddin said the importance of the KPU’s role in making the Pilkada a success. Synergy with various elements of society must be strengthened, maintain unity, do not be divided. He emphasized that all parties have the same goal, namely to hold a successful and successful election and Pilkada.
Golput is often considered a form of protest against the existing political situation. However, it is important to remember that golput does not solve the problem. Instead, golput only weakens democracy and opens up opportunities for less competent leaders to be elected. As more and more people golput, the number of valid votes will decrease, and this can open up opportunities for groups or individuals who do not have a clear vision to lead the region.
The Head of the Election Supervisory Body (Panwaslu) of Alor Regency, Orias Langmau, said that all elements of society have the same responsibility in making the 2024 simultaneous Pilkada a success. Bawaslu Alor has studied various things related to the vulnerabilities of the Pilkada in the previous implementation, and this is an important lesson for the implementation of the Pilkada this year. To create a peaceful Election, Bawaslu Alor will continue to supervise, including during the announcement of candidate pairs, registration, and during the campaign period which is scheduled for 60 days starting on September 25, 2024.
Meanwhile, mass media and information technology play an important role in making the Pilkada a success. Through social media and other digital platforms, information about prospective leaders, their visions, missions, and work programs can be widely disseminated to the public. However, in this digital era, the public also needs to be critical of the information they receive. Make sure the information obtained comes from credible sources and avoid getting caught up in fake news or hoaxes that can negatively influence choices.
Bengkalis Regent, Kasmarni, also conveyed the importance of the role of all parties in making the 2024 Pilkada stages a success. This democratic party must run smoothly, safely, and peacefully. He also invited all elements of society to work together to fight hoax news, provocation, and hate speech that can divide the unity of the nation.
To prevent abstention and increase public participation in the Pilkada, there are several steps that can be taken. First, there needs to be an increase in political awareness through education and socialization. The government, educational institutions, and community organizations must work together to provide a correct understanding of the importance of the Pilkada and active participation in the general election.
Second, access to information about prospective leaders must be expanded and made easier. The public must be given clear and objective information about the vision, mission, and track record of the candidates. Thus, voters can make the right decision based on accurate information, not just based on popularity or social pressure.
Third, encourage the surrounding environment to participate in the Pilkada. Invitations from family, friends, and communities can increase voter participation. Make the Pilkada a moment of togetherness, where everyone feels responsible for using their right to vote for a better future.
Pilkada is an important moment that should not be missed by every citizen. Active participation in Pilkada is not only a right, but also a responsibility as a citizen to determine the future of the region and the nation. Golput is not a solution to political problems, but can weaken democracy and reduce the quality of government.
Therefore, let’s make the Pilkada a success and reject golput. Use your right to vote wisely to elect leaders who will bring positive changes to the community and the region. By participating in the Pilkada, the community is involved in building a better, fairer, and more prosperous nation.
)* The author is a postgraduate student in Jakarta.
