By : Ratih Safira Utami )*
Ahead of the regional head elections (Pilkada) on November 27 2024, people throughout Indonesia, especially in several strategic areas, are encouraged to unite to maintain a conducive situation. In this challenging time, we are reminded not to be easily taken in by hoaxes and not to spread them.
The importance of maintaining calm and social stability has been voiced by various parties, from government officials to security forces and religious figures. They all invite the public to work together to maintain peace and order, to ensure the democratic process runs smoothly and safely.
In Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Mayor Caroll JA Senduk reminded residents, especially the church community, not to get caught up in the spread of false information that often appears before the Pilkada. Caroll emphasized that this political year is often exploited by irresponsible individuals to spread hoaxes that can damage the reputation of the government and individuals.
He invited citizens to only disseminate positive and constructive information, and reminded that the government was open to criticism as long as it was constructive. According to him, constructive criticism is an important part of the process of improving a city, and not a tool to bring it down.
Furthermore, Caroll stated that maintaining a conducive situation is a collective task, not only the task of the regional government but also all elements of society, including church members. By refraining from spreading hoaxes, the public can contribute to maintaining calm amidst the ongoing regional elections.
So far, one pair of independent candidates, Wenny Lumentut and Michael Mait, have registered for the election for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Tomohon.
Apart from Tomohon, similar efforts were also carried out in Belitung Regency, where the Belitung Police Binmas Unit, led by Aiptu Doan Butar Butar, carried out Begalor Kamtibmas Presisi or Bincang Kamtibmas activities.
In this activity, they visited local religious figures to convey messages of security and order. Aiptu Doan explained that the main aim of this activity was to create a safe and conducive situation ahead of the Pilkada in Belitung Regency.
Aiptu Doan added that these friendly activities will continue to be carried out to strengthen relations between the police and community leaders, traditional leaders and religious leaders. In this way, it is hoped that the synergy formed can help create a peaceful and safe environment.
Chairman of the Belitung Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), Harmizi, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Belitung Police and emphasized the support of religious figures in maintaining Kamtibmas. Harmizi is also committed to continuing to provide advice to the community so that they work together to maintain order ahead of the Pilkada.
No less important, in Central Lampung, Police Chief AKBP Andik Purnomo Sigit also emphasized the importance of synergy between the community and security forces to maintain a conducive situation ahead of the regional elections. In the cooling system program which was held in the Atmani Wedhana Hall of the Police Headquarters, Andik invited all parties to maintain friendship and harmony amidst the diversity of Central Lampung society.
He emphasized that maintaining security and order is a shared responsibility, and the Central Lampung Police are ready to work together with various elements of society to ensure that the simultaneous regional elections run safely and peacefully.
The police chief also reminded the public that differences in political choices should not become a source of division. He invited the public to maintain unity and harmony between citizens, and avoid actions that could trigger conflict.
Apart from that, he asked all Sector Police Chiefs at the Central Lampung Police to increase preventive activities at vulnerable points, in order to prevent conventional crimes and other disturbances to Community Security and Order.
With these proactive steps taken by various parties, it is hoped that the situation leading up to the 2024 regional elections can remain under control and safe. The public is advised to continue to be alert to fake news and be wiser in responding to circulating information. This collective awareness is very important so that the democratic process can run smoothly without significant disruption.
In the end, maintaining a conducive situation ahead of the Pilkada is not the task of just one or two parties, but rather the responsibility of all of us as part of society who care about the sustainability of a healthy democracy.
By prioritizing mutual cooperation and cooperation, we can create a safe and peaceful environment, so that the 2024 regional elections can take place successfully, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and democracy that we uphold.
Let us together ensure that the future of our region is determined through an honest, safe and fair process, and distance ourselves from all forms of provocation and false information that can damage harmony in society.
Only with the cooperation and concern of all of us, the hope for a peaceful and smooth regional election can become a reality. Mutual cooperation in maintaining a conducive situation is not just a slogan, but a real manifestation of our responsibility as good citizens.
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute
