By: Teuku Alfarizi )*
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) will be one of the important moments in Indonesia’s democratic journey. As the third largest democratic country in the world, Indonesia must ensure that the general election process runs smoothly, orderly, and free from all forms of manipulation.
The mass media and security forces have a strategic role in ensuring stability and honesty in the implementation of the Pilkada. Through synergy between these two elements, it is hoped that the Pilkada can take place in a transparent, safe and conducive manner.
The support provided by the Batam City Government for the implementation of the Coordination and Consultation Forum with the theme “The Strategic Role of National Mass Media in Supporting Positive News Reporting in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections to Run Conducively, Safely, and Smoothly” reflects an awareness of the importance of the role of the media in maintaining a healthy democratic process.
This forum was initiated by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, with the aim of strengthening synergy between the media and security forces in making the 2024 Pilkada a success.
In this forum, the Regional Secretary of Batam City, Jefridin, M. Pd., emphasized that mass media is the main pillar in forming a healthy political climate. Amid the increasingly intensive use of social media as a means of disseminating political information, traditional media is expected to remain a credible and responsible source of information.
According to Jefridin, social media can influence people’s political preferences, but without strict supervision, social media can also trigger political instability. Therefore, the mass media has a great responsibility in maintaining the credibility of information conveyed to the public.
In the context of the Pilkada, the press not only functions as a news provider, but also as an institution of social control. This role is crucial in ensuring that the entire election process runs according to the principles of honest and fair democracy.
The mass media must uphold the journalistic code of ethics, commit to the principles of independence, and maintain integrity in covering every stage of the Pilkada. Thus, the media will be able to be a balance in facing information disruption in the digital era.
The Batam City Government hopes that all elements of society will actively participate in maintaining political stability during the 2024 Pilkada. The Pilkada stages have begun, and the public is expected to remain calm and wise in responding to every political dynamic that arises.
The success of the regional elections is not only determined by the election organizers and candidates, but also by the support of all elements of society, including the media and security forces.
Head of the Batam City Communication and Informatics Agency, Rudi Panjaitan, on the same occasion, emphasized the importance of transparency in the implementation of the Pilkada. According to him, the media has a big role in ensuring that every stage of the Pilkada can run transparently, fairly, and honestly.
Rudi also reminded the public not to be easily provoked by news that is not yet clear. In a dynamic political situation, disinformation can be a serious threat to political stability and national security. Therefore, credibility and responsibility in disseminating information must always be maintained.
On another occasion, the Head of the Tanjungpinang City Communication and Informatics Service, Teguh Susanto, stated that synergy between the mass media and security forces is very important to maintain conducive conditions during the 2024 Pilkada. According to him, the mass media is the fourth pillar of democracy which plays a role as a provider of accurate and objective information.
The media must be able to educate the public so that they can make the right political decisions based on credible information. In addition, the media also plays a role as a social control that can prevent conflicts or friction that can threaten the unity and integrity of the nation.
Teguh emphasized that collaboration between the government, media, and security forces is the key to ensuring that the Pilkada can run safely, smoothly, and transparently. This synergy is not only important in maintaining the quality of news reporting, but also in maintaining order and security during the Pilkada stages. Thus, every element of society is expected to play an active role in maintaining political stability and national security.
The Indragiri Hilir (Inhil) Police Chief, AKBP Budi Setiawan, also invited all members of the press to participate in maintaining the security and public order (Kamtibmas) during the 2024 Pilkada process. According to him, the press has a strategic role in presenting accurate, objective, and accountable information.
In addition, the press can also play a role in inviting the public to participate in maintaining a safe and peaceful atmosphere during the democratic process. Solid cooperation between security forces and the press is expected to create a conducive situation during the implementation of the Pilkada.
AKBP Budi Setiawan emphasized that coordination between the police and journalists is very important to maintain order and security during the Pilkada stages. The press, as the spearhead in conveying information to the public, is expected to play a role as an agent of change that is able to encourage the creation of a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Ultimately, the responsibility to ensure that the 2024 Pilkada runs smoothly lies not only in the hands of the government or election organizers, but also on the shoulders of all elements of society.
The media and security forces must continue to work together to maintain political stability, while the public must be wise in responding to any information circulating. With strong synergy between all parties, the 2024 Pilkada can be a milestone in the history of increasingly mature and quality Indonesian democracy.
)* Political Observer Persada Institute
