By: Fajar Dwi Santoso )*
The implementation of the Re-vote (PSU) in various regions in Indonesia, including the one that took place in Pesawaran Regency on May 24, 2025, marked an important phase in the journey of local democracy so far.
This momentum not only reflects the fulfillment of constitutional rights for all citizens in the country, but also serves as a means of proving the political maturity and magnanimity of all elements of Indonesian society in maintaining social stability.
The peaceful and orderly process during the implementation of the PSU is indeed worthy of appreciation, but the main challenge in realizing all of these things actually comes after the voting: namely related to how to maintain conduciveness and respect whatever and however the final results that have been officially announced without slipping into polarization.
Pesawaran community figure and Daily Chair of the Lampung Customary Balance Council (MPAL), Erlan Syofandi Gelar Suntan Penatih, views the implementation of the PSU as a stage of maturity in politics. He highlighted that the Constitutional Court’s decision to order a revote has received widespread attention, so that implementation in the field must reflect high transparency and integrity. He encourages the active involvement of all components of society to create a peaceful climate and uphold democratic ethics.
For Erlan, PSU is not just about choosing a leader. It contains a collective responsibility to prove that Pesawaran residents are able to carry out democracy with dignity.
He invited the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information, especially that circulating through social media. Biased and unclear information can trigger horizontal conflict if not addressed wisely. Therefore, selectivity in absorbing information is the main bulwark in reducing social friction.
As a traditional figure, Erlan emphasized MPAL’s commitment to mediate when potential conflicts arise in the field. He also underlined the importance of active voter participation as an indicator of the quality of democracy.
The higher the level of participation, the stronger the legitimacy of the election results. He encouraged citizens to use their voting rights wisely, electing figures who have vision and integrity for the progress of Bumi Andan Jejama. No less important, he reminded the candidates to fulfill their mandate when trusted to lead, and to continue to open up dialogue with the community on an ongoing basis.
A similar message was conveyed by the Lampung Police Chief, Inspector General Helmy Santika, who expressed his appreciation for the safe situation during the PSU process. He saw active community involvement and cooperation between agencies as determining factors for the success of the re-election. This success reflects the maturity of the community in responding to political dynamics. In his view, a healthy democracy must be based on calm, not emotional reactivity.
Helmy also reminded the importance of waiting for the official results from the General Election Commission (KPU) and not being provoked by information that is not yet final. He considered that excessive euphoria from supporters of candidates could cause unnecessary social tension. He emphasized that true victory in democracy is when society remains united and not divided because of differences in political choices.
One of the main commitments of the police in implementing the PSU is to maintain neutrality. According to the Chief of Police, this is a non-negotiable price. The neutrality of the apparatus is the foundation of public trust in all stages of the election. If there is a dispute or difference of opinion, the resolution must be taken through the available legal channels, not by unilateral action in the public space.
Nationally, the Chairman of the Indonesian KPU, Mochammad Afifuddin, said that the implementation of the PSU in Pesawaran Regency, Palopo City, and Mahakam Ulu Regency went smoothly and showed an encouraging level of voter participation. The implementation in Pesawaran recorded the presence of 223,047 voters or around 63.76 percent, indicating high public enthusiasm for improving the democratic process.
According to him, the success of the PSU implementation is the result of synergy between organizers, security forces, election participants, and voters. He emphasized that all TPS have completed the voting process with strict supervision and have sent C-result forms to be recapitulated in stages. This process is an important part of maintaining accountability and public trust in the election results.
The KPU also said that the PSU is a concrete form of commitment to the supremacy of law and the integrity of democracy. By implementing the Constitutional Court’s decision professionally, the KPU hopes to strengthen the legitimacy and quality of the election results. The safe and participatory situation in Pesawaran shows that the Indonesian people are able to respond to political dynamics in a peaceful and constructive manner.
Facing the post-PSU phase, all elements of the nation have a moral responsibility to restrain themselves, maintain a calm atmosphere, and not spread provocative narratives that could disrupt stability. Efforts to maintain peace are not only the task of security forces, but also a shared obligation that must be instilled in everyday social life.
Spread the message of peace. Respect the results of the vote whatever the form. Strong democracy is not only reflected in the ballot box, but also in how citizens are able to uphold unity above all differences.
)* National Political Observer – Mandala Raya Political Forum
