By : Sabrina Aulia )*
Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is an important instrument in the democratic process in Indonesia. As an important moment in determining the direction of regional development, Pilkada often becomes an arena for fierce competition between candidates. However, the peaceful regional elections reflect the democratic maturity of society and are a positive example for other regions. Through various facts and views from key opinion leaders, we can see how peaceful regional elections reflect the progress of democracy in Indonesia.
Peaceful regional elections reflect the democratic maturity of society in several aspects, namely high political awareness, emotional maturity, compliance with laws and regulations and an active role in supervision.
By realizing this commitment, it shows that our society is increasingly mature in democracy. This is not only about choosing leaders, but also about how we can respect each other’s differences and maintain unity.
Boven Digoel Police Chief, AKBP I Komang Budiartha, emphasized the importance of commitment from all elements of society, including political parties, in maintaining the peaceful implementation of the Pilkada. According to him, peaceful regional elections are an important prerequisite for maintaining stability and harmony in society.
To make this happen, the Police Chief proposed that the Regional Government (Pemda) and Pilkada organizers hold a meeting involving various elements of society. During the meeting, concrete steps were discussed to maintain peace during the Pilkada process, and stated in the integrity pact.
The Police Chief added that the heads of political parties in the regions must be invited to the meeting. Political parties are directed to commit directly to maintaining peace, encouraging their cadres and sympathizers to behave politely and respect the democratic process.
The call to realize peaceful regional elections was also made by the Dompu Regency KPU at the launch of the election for the Regent and Deputy Regent of Dompu in 2024. This launch was to show togetherness in realizing dignified elections, so as to create peaceful regional elections.
Chairman of the Dompu KPU, Arif Rahman, SH said that this launch was carried out to show togetherness in realizing dignified elections. At the same time, we hope that all levels of organizers, both technical institutions under the KPU and Bawaslu, will always maintain our integrity in making the elections a success, for the sake of Dompu which we all love.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Legal and Supervision Division of the NTB Provincial KPU, Mastur, MA reminded election organizers. He emphasized that in the upcoming regional elections to remain careful, maintain integrity, maintain independence, avoid becoming part of partisans, and do not get involved in siding with one of the candidates. Because it is part of the code of ethics held by all parties.
At every stage of the Pilkada, as an organizer you cannot work alone. But there must be good collaboration with all elements, including all regional election participants, namely political parties and regional head candidates, to ensure that the regional election process in Dompu Regency runs well.
The Regent of Dompu, H. Kader Jaelani, in his speech expressed his appreciation to the KPU as the election organizing institution together with its lower ranks. Good collaboration must be carried out to realize dignified regional elections. “The regional government is ready to collaborate and support to realize a dignified Dompu Pilkada,” he said.
To realize a peaceful Dompu regional election, the participation of all parties is needed. Any potential horizontal conflict must be anticipated early on. As in the 2024 election, Dompu succeeded in carrying it out peacefully. It is hoped that this success will continue in the simultaneous regional elections on November 27 2024. It is hoped that Pilkada participants will maintain sportsmanship and be polite in campaigning.
Furthermore, the Regent of West Sumba, Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare of the Regional Secretariat of West Sumba Regency Drs. Imanuel Mesakh Anie advised all Voting Committees to study and master all regulations regarding the 2024 election in an effort to realize democratic elections, prioritizing the principles of direct, public, free, secret, honest and fair elections.
The Regent also instructed all Subdistrict Heads and Village Heads/Village Heads to facilitate, assist and guide PPS in carrying out their duties, especially in ensuring that people register themselves as voters so that people can exercise their right to vote properly.
To realize peaceful regional elections that reflect the maturity of democracy, commitment is needed from all parties involved, including the government, election organizers, election participants and the community.
Peaceful regional elections are a reflection of the democratic maturity of society. To achieve this, commitment is needed from all parties involved in the Pilkada process. The government, election organizers, election participants and the community must work together and play an active role in creating a conducive and democratic atmosphere. In this way, regional elections can take place peacefully, in an orderly manner, and produce legitimate leaders who are able to bring positive change to their respective regions. The maturity of democracy is not only measured by how often elections are held, but also by how all components of the nation participate in maintaining and overseeing the democratic process.
)* The author is a political observer
