By: Robert Danis )*
The revote (PSU) for the Papua and Boven Digoel Regency elections in South Papua, held on August 6, 2025, is a crucial moment in maintaining the purity of democracy in the region. The revote is not merely an administrative procedure but also a test of political maturity for all parties, including organizers, participants, and the public. With the process closely monitored by various parties, the results should be accepted with open arms for the sake of legal certainty and regional stability.
Ronny Talapessy, Head of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Central Executive Board (DPP), for Legal Affairs and Advocacy, emphasized that all contesting parties must accept the results of the re-election (PSU) fairly and honestly, without any action that violates the people’s political rights. He highlighted indications of attempts to alter the vote count through tiered plenary sessions and alleged intimidation of the Voting Committee (PPS) and election supervisory officials. He stated that practices that have the potential to undermine the democratic process must be stopped, as interfering with the will of the people will only widen the potential for conflict.
Based on Poltracking Indonesia’s quick count, the Benhur Tomi Mano–Constant Karma candidate pair held a narrow lead with 50.85 percent of the vote, followed by the Matius Fakhiri–Aryoko Alberto Ferdinand Rumaropen pair with 49.15 percent. This quick count was conducted using a multistage random sampling method and has a margin of error of 1.0 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. This data provides an initial picture of voter preferences and should serve as an initial reference for all parties to prepare to receive the official results from the General Elections Commission (KPU).
Meanwhile, from the central government’s perspective, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk emphasized that this revote is expected to be the last in Papua. According to her, Papua is the only province in Indonesia still holding a revote, so it is crucial to ensure this process is truly final and does not need to be repeated. She urged all elements of society to work together to ensure the success of the vote, as this success will be crucial in strengthening local democracy.
The revote (PSU) in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, proceeded smoothly and orderly. The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam) took an active role in overseeing the revote. Two special teams were deployed to directly monitor the process on the ground. The first team, led by the Deputy for Foreign Policy Coordination, Mohammad K. Koba, monitored 25 polling stations (TPS) in Mandobo District, including the voting locations for the regional head candidates. The monitoring results showed a conducive situation, orderly queues of voters, and no crowds that indicated support for a particular candidate pair.
A second team, led by Teddy Mantoro, a special staff member of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, also monitored several strategic polling stations (TPS), including the Tanah Merah Class III Penitentiary, which has a dedicated polling station. At these locations, voting proceeded smoothly under tight security, allowing all registered voters to cast their ballots freely and safely. The presence of this monitoring team demonstrates the central government’s full commitment to maintaining the integrity of the revote, in collaboration with the General Elections Commission (KPUD), the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), security forces, and local governments.
With strict oversight, an orderly voting process, and transparent quick count results, there is no reason for any party to reject the final revote results, which will be announced by the General Elections Commission (KPU). Accepting election results, even if they differ from expectations, is part of a healthy democratic ethic. Unfounded rejection will only prolong tensions, disrupt stability, and harm the wider community.
Political maturity must be the guiding principle for all parties in responding to the revote results. The winners should not become arrogant, while the losers should accept their laurels and prepare constructive steps forward. The public is also expected to remain calm, not be provoked by unverified issues, and await the official results from the General Elections Commission (KPU), the sole institution authorized to determine the winner.
Regional elections are essentially a means to elect the best leaders for the region, not an opportunity to exacerbate differences. When all parties are willing to respect the process and the results, a conducive environment is created that allows the elected regional government to function optimally. Conversely, if the results are continually contested without a strong legal basis, energy that should be used for regional development is instead wasted on protracted conflict.
This re-election is an opportunity for Papua to demonstrate that democracy can operate in an orderly, peaceful, and dignified manner. The integrity of election organizers, the maturity of voters, and the commitment of officials and political elites to respect the results are key to the success of this process. Ultimately, accepting the quick count results as a preliminary estimate and recognizing the official KPU results as the final decision are crucial steps to successfully conclude the election and begin a new chapter in regional development.
Thus, all parties in Papua and South Papua should prioritize the interests of the people. Respecting the people’s voice means maintaining political stability, strengthening democracy, and giving elected leaders the opportunity to immediately work to realize their campaign promises for the region’s progress.
)* The author is a political observer
