By : Sabrina Aulia )*
Pilkada is a process in which the people elect leaders who will bring change and advance their region. However, regional elections are also often an event that gives rise to tension, conflict and friction between groups. Therefore, it is important for all parties to commit to keeping the regional elections peaceful.
Peaceful regional elections not only reflect democratic maturity, but also contribute to political stability, security and social welfare. If the Pilkada runs peacefully, then the entire democratic process will run better. Conflicts that arise during regional elections can cause both material and non-material losses, and can threaten national unity and integrity.
The peaceful regional elections also reflect that the community and regional leaders have a sense of responsibility and concern for the future of their region. Apart from that, a conducive atmosphere during the Pilkada will facilitate the development process and achieve common goals in improving community welfare.
Chairman of the Sekadau Regency Indonesian Village Government Association (Apdesi), Abang Iwandi, said that the socialization and declaration of peaceful regional elections was aimed at reminding village heads and village officials regarding the rules and restrictions for village heads and village officials in maintaining neutrality in the 2024 regional elections.
This socialization and declaration with the theme of strengthening the neutrality of village heads and village officials is to anticipate violations in the 2024 regional elections. Therefore, as a form of joint commitment, hundreds of village heads and village officials read and signed the neutrality pledge.
Regional governments have a very large role in creating a peaceful regional election atmosphere. Peaceful regional elections must be socialized to the public and contestants must compete in a healthy and sporting manner, and avoid the practice of money politics, black campaigns and the spread of fake news. Apart from that, they must also be ready to accept the results of the regional elections with grace, whether they win or lose.
Acting Governor of South Papua Rudy Sufahriadi invites and asks all elements of society in South Papua Province, including contestants, sympathizers and the masses of candidate pairs or candidate pairs, to realize the 2024 Pilkada in a peaceful and dignified manner.
Regional head elections will be held simultaneously throughout Indonesia on Wednesday 27 November 2024. South Papua Province, as a new autonomous region that was created in 2022, is taking part in simultaneous regional elections for the first time, specifically for the election of governor and deputy governor. It is hoped that the first democratic party in this province will be held in a democratic atmosphere, full of peace and dignity without any conflict, dispute or hostility.
Rudy Sufahriadi reminded that in every regional election political battle, of course there are winners and losers. Each candidate pair must refrain from accepting whatever outcome of a political contestation. The winning party is asked not to clap their chest, and the loser must be open-minded.
Apart from that, the media has an important role in disseminating correct and accurate information regarding the regional elections. The mass media must maintain its independence and not become a propaganda tool for one of the candidates. Meanwhile, social media users must be wise in filtering and disseminating information, and avoid spreading hoaxes that could trigger divisions.
Regarding this, dozens of journalists in Ketapang Regency support and are committed to creating peaceful regional elections. In their declaration, journalists reject all forms of spreading hoaxes, hate speech, racist information and polarization in society. The press also agreed to continue to educate the public and carry out social control and contribute to the success of the 2024 regional elections with integrity, fairness, security and peace.
Chairman of the Ketapang Journalist Alliance ( AJK ), Theo Bernadhi, invited all journalists to play a role in overseeing the Ketapang Regional Election with journalistic work according to the code of ethics.
Journalists must be dew in the midst of a drought. This means that it must be cool if there is hot information that can divide or hoax information
Deputy Chair of the Ketapang Dayak Traditional Council (DAD), Phillipus Kaleh, assessed that the role of mass media is very important as the spearhead in creating and disseminating public information. He also asked the mass media to publish factual and balanced news. He also encouraged the implementation of the democratic party on November 27 2024 with joy.
In addition, security forces have the responsibility to maintain security and order during the Pilkada process. Security forces must be neutral and not take sides with any candidate or political party. They must also be ready to anticipate and deal with potential conflicts that may arise during the campaign, voting day, and the announcement of the regional election results.
Military District Commander (Dandim) 0806/Trenggalek Lt. Col. Czi Yudo Aji Susanto, S.Sos., MA, firmly stated the unwavering commitment of his staff in supporting the Trenggalek Police. He emphasized that Kodim 0806 will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada).
On this occasion, Lt. Col. Czi Yudo Aji Susanto underlined that his staff were ready to be on standby 24 hours a day to support Operation Mantap Praja Semeru 2024 which was initiated by the Police
Realizing peaceful regional elections is a joint task that must involve all elements of society. From election organizers, security forces, regional election participants, the media, to the general public, everyone has an important role in creating a conducive atmosphere.
)* The author is a political observer
