By: Maya Ayu Kuswardi
Ahead of the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada), it is important for all elements of society to unite and work together to prevent all forms of divisive issues, especially those with ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group (SARA) nuances.
Pilkada is not just a political contest, but also a test of democratic maturity. Efforts to maintain peace and order during the Pilkada process are a shared responsibility, from the community to law enforcement officers.
The Declaration of Peaceful Pilkada held by the Malinau Police in North Kalimantan on Monday, September 2, 2024, is a very important initial step in preventing potential SARA politics during the Pilkada. This activity was attended by various religious, social, and traditional communities, demonstrating a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity and unity of society.
The Head of the Malinau Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Wesly Lufung, emphasized the importance of communication between communities as an effective way to anticipate SARA issues during the campaign period and implementation of the regional elections.
In his view, good communication between various community groups will help reduce the potential for conflict that may arise due to provocation or the spread of misleading information.
The role of social communities, associations, and religious figures is crucial in maintaining order and peace during the 2024 Pilkada. They not only function as mediators, but also as active agents in spreading messages of peace to the community.
The Head of the South Sulawesi Family Association (KKSS) Malinau, Ashar Nasir, said that the security and success of the Pilkada is a shared responsibility. The election of regional heads is part of the democratic cycle that must be carried out with full responsibility, not only by candidates and campaign teams, but also by the entire community.
Furthermore, preventive measures such as this peace declaration also function as a form of mitigation against the potential emergence of SARA politics, both in the Election of the Regent and Deputy Regent of Malinau and the Election of the Governor and Deputy Governor of North Kalimantan.
SARA issues are often used as a tool by certain parties to divide society, and this can be very damaging if not anticipated properly. Therefore, activities such as peace declarations, inter-community communication, and educational campaigns need to continue until the peak of the election on November 28, 2024.
On the other hand, the Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Communication and Information Office also played an active role in ensuring that the 2024 Pilkada runs peacefully. In his appeal, the Head of the PPU Communication and Information Office, Khairudin, emphasized the importance of maintaining a conducive atmosphere during the campaign and election period, as well as preventing any form of campaign that has the potential to provoke riots.
This concern is not without reason, considering the potential for the spread of hoaxes and SARA issues which are often used as tools to manipulate public opinion and create instability.
Khairudin realized that the biggest challenge in the 2024 Pilkada is how to control the spread of information, especially in the current digital era. Social media, which is now the main platform in political campaigns, has also become fertile ground for the spread of hoaxes and information containing SARA elements.
Therefore, the PPU Communication and Information Service is working together with authorities such as the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) to supervise and take firm action against any form of violation that has the potential to disrupt the smooth running of the election.
Not only that, Khairudin also invited all candidates, campaign teams, and the public to refrain from spreading false information. According to him, the success of the Pilkada is not only determined by a fair and honest election mechanism, but also by how the public actively participates in maintaining peace and not getting caught up in provocation.
It is important to remember that the regional elections are a democratic celebration that must be carried out in an orderly and peaceful manner, for the sake of a better future for the region.
Peaceful campaigns and rejection of hoaxes and SARA issues are the main focus of the PPU Communication and Information Service in welcoming the 2024 Pilkada. As an institution responsible for communication and informatics, the PPU Communication and Information Service plays an important role in providing accurate information and preventing the spread of fake news.
This proactive measure aims to ensure that the PPU community can participate in the Pilkada with a cool head, without being influenced by misleading or provocative information.
Meanwhile, the role of the community in maintaining peace during the Pilkada cannot be ignored. As good citizens, the community is expected to be critical of all forms of information received, especially those related to sensitive issues such as SARA.
Awareness of the importance of maintaining national unity and integrity must be the main foundation in every action and decision taken during the regional election process.
We all have a moral responsibility to ensure that the 2024 Pilkada runs peacefully and democratically. Do not let differences in political choices divide us as a nation.
Let us make the Pilkada as an event to show democratic maturity, while maintaining mutual respect and appreciation for differences. Thus, we not only participate in choosing the best leader, but also participate in building a better future for our region.
