By: Tania Ditrajaga)*
The wave of political dynamics that emerged following the revote (PSU) in several regions has not diminished public acceptance of the election results determined by the General Elections Commission (KPU). In both Central Kalimantan and Papua, the democratic process, carried out in accordance with legal norms, is considered to have affirmed that constitutional mechanisms remain the primary foundation for maintaining the integrity of Indonesian democracy.
The government has also appealed to the public to remain calm and maintain a conducive atmosphere. This appeal was emphasized considering that election results are essentially part of the people’s sovereignty, which is protected by law.
The Chairman of the Central Kalimantan Provincial KPU, Sastriadi, stated that the determination of the results of the revote for the North Barito Regency Regional Head Election (Pilkada) has been completed in accordance with the stages stipulated in the legislation. He stated that the KPU is currently awaiting the publication of the Constitutional Case Register (BRPK) from the Constitutional Court as a reference for determining whether or not there are disputes regarding the results submitted to the Constitutional Court.
He also emphasized that if the BRPK does not indicate any cases, the next stage can proceed with greater certainty. It was also emphasized that the inauguration of elected regional heads rests entirely with the central government, while the General Elections Commission (KPU) is solely responsible for organizing the stages up to the determination of the results. The hope was also expressed that the people of Central Kalimantan would soon have definitive leadership, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of regional development programs without political obstacles.
Meanwhile, Papua also made history through the implementation of the Regional Election Re-run (PSU) held in nine regencies/cities. Two candidate pairs, Benhur Tommy Mano–Constant Karma and Marius Fakhiri–Aryoko Rumaropen, competed again in an atmosphere tightly guarded by organizers, officials, and the public.
The Chairperson of the Papua KPU, Diana Dorthea Simbiak, described this implementation as the most conducive compared to previous years. A similar statement was made by the Chairperson of the Papua Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), Hardin Halidin, who assessed that intense coordination between parties had succeeded in ensuring transparency throughout the process. More than 3,300 supervisors were deployed to ensure fairness in every stage of the election.
The Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, stated that the PSU (Puncak Sulaiman) in his region is not only an election, but also a tangible manifestation of the Papuan people’s love for their homeland. He stated that democracy must be upheld with honesty and justice. The PSU, which takes place during Independence Day, also serves as a reminder that democracy is a vital component of national unity.
Academic perspectives also reinforce this positive narrative. Cenderawasih University political observer Yakobus Murafer assessed that the revote (PSU) in Papua has become both a political education platform and a practical exercise of the fourth principle of Pancasila. He stated that when elections are conducted in an orderly and democratic manner, they provide important lessons for the public. Papua is even considered to have the potential to become an example of elections with integrity in eastern Indonesia.
Despite being marked by mutual claims of victory between camps, the public remains confident in the General Elections Commission (KPU) as the official election organizing body. The final results are expected to strengthen the spirit of unity and emphasize that political differences should not undermine national brotherhood.
This situation demonstrates that society has become more mature in responding to political dynamics. Differences in choice are no longer used as an excuse to create social rifts. Instead, democracy is understood as a space for healthy competition that must be approached with maturity and uphold the rule of law.
Following the revote, the government emphasized that social and political stability are key assets in maintaining national development. It urged the public not to be easily provoked by issues that could cause division. This affirmation was conveyed with the hope that all elements of the nation would maintain calm for the sake of sustainable regional and national development.
The security forces’ decisive action in overseeing the re-election was also commended. Professional and humane security measures ensured the smooth running of the vote. Preventive measures to prevent potential unrest were seen as a concrete effort to maintain public trust in the democratic process.
Ultimately, the demonstrations that emerged after the re-election did not shake public acceptance of the election results. From Kalimantan to Papua, elections with integrity have become a symbol of the continued growth of Indonesian democracy.
This democratic process, firmly founded on constitutional principles, is a crucial foundation for the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Going forward, it is hoped that the public will continue to prioritize national interests above group interests and work together to maintain a conducive atmosphere to achieve development goals.
By creating calm and conducive conditions, the message of unity promoted at every democratic moment will be increasingly felt. The peaceful re-election in various regions is clear evidence that the Indonesian people are capable of embracing differences with dignity.
)* Political Observer
