By: Kiki Kemala S )*
The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is an important element in the democratic system that provides an opportunity for citizens to choose their regional leaders. In the context of the Pilkada, as the fourth pillar of democracy, the mass media also plays a role in making the election a success and encouraging public participation. The media has an important role to ensure that the election process runs fairly and democratically. The media serves as a source of information, a monitor, and a driver of transparency, all of which contribute to the integrity and success of the election.
The media also plays a role as a watchdog in the election process. By investigating and reporting suspicious practices or violations of the law, the media can help prevent fraud and manipulation in elections. Detailed reporting on issues such as money politics, voter intimidation, or abuse of power serves to alert authorities and the public to potential problems. The role of the media in this case supports the creation of a clean and fair environment in the election process.
This big role of mass media should be used as an opportunity to welcome the momentum of regional elections so that they can be carried out freely and fairly. Mass media must take a position as a partner of the people to monitor elections and direct public opinion so that a healthy democratic climate is created.
The Head of the Fakfak General Election Commission (KPU), Hendra JC Talla, revealed that the media played a very important role in supporting the creation of a peaceful Pilkada in Fakfak Regency. According to Hendra, media involvement in the democratic process is key to ensuring that all aspects of the election run well and according to expectations.
Hendra emphasized that the media, as a channel of democratic information, must always comply with the journalistic code of ethics in all its reporting. The application of good journalistic principles will ensure that information conveyed to the public remains objective, accurate, and unbiased.
Hendra also emphasized that the media must actively monitor and supervise every stage of the ongoing 2024 Pilkada. This is to ensure that all election processes are carried out in accordance with good democratic principles. The media is expected not only to report news in a balanced manner, but also to play a role in supervising the election process. The media is expected to continue to monitor and oversee every stage of the 2024 Pilkada. With this role, the media helps maintain integrity and transparency in the election process.
Hendra also asked all parties, including the community and regional head candidates, to maintain a safe and peaceful situation ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. He emphasized the importance of security and order for the smooth running of the election process and to ensure fair results that are accepted by all parties. With the strategic role and great responsibility it carries, the media is expected to make a positive contribution in maintaining the quality of the Pilkada. The media plays an important role in building public trust in the democratic process and ensuring that the election is fair and transparent.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Muhazir, a member of the Prevention, Public Relations, and Community Participation Division of the South Papua Province Bawaslu, said that the mass media has a strategic and very important role in the democratization process. The mass media functions to convey accurate, objective, and educational information to the public. As one of the pillars of democracy, the mass media helps encourage and realize honest and fair elections. In the context of reporting on the 2024 Pilkada, Bawaslu Public Relations relies heavily on support from the mass media. The mass media is considered to be the leading party in overseeing the ongoing democratization process, especially in terms of providing accurate information to the public.
On the other hand, Akbar Budi Prasetia, a journalist from Konteks.co.id, emphasized that the mass media functions as a referee in the implementation of elections and must maintain an independent and balanced attitude. The role of the media in elections is to provide access to information to the public, educate the public, and prevent violations and supervise all stages of the election.
Prasetia said that the media must adhere to nine basic principles in elections, including being independent, conducting disciplined verification, providing equal opportunities, distinguishing between facts and opinions, and avoiding hate speech and slander. These principles are important to ensure that the media functions well in the democratization process.
The media also serves as a platform for public debate and constructive discussion on election-related issues. Through candidate debate programs, talk shows , and discussion forums, the media provides space for regional head candidates to convey their views directly to the public. These discussions allow voters to compare the ideas and policies offered by various candidates, as well as assess their abilities and credibility. The media also plays a role in organizing and facilitating these discussions in a fair and balanced manner, so that all voices can be heard.
To ensure a fair and transparent regional election, let us support the role of the media as an objective supervisor and information provider. The media has a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the election, educating the public, and monitoring every stage of the election process. With the support of an active and committed media, we can together realize a democratic and peaceful regional election.
