By : Vania Salsabila Pratama )*
In facing the upcoming democratic party, the responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections lies in the hands of all parties involved. Not only the government and election organizers, but also all elements of society must work together to make this democratic process a success. Chairman of the Boven Digoel Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Athanasius Koknak, SE, emphasized that all stakeholders and elements in Boven Digoel Regency must work together to carry out their respective duties to ensure this process runs well.
Approaching November 27 2024, which has been designated as the day for the simultaneous election of Governors, Regents and Mayors, cooperation between various parties will be very crucial. Athanasius Koknak invited all election organizers, supervisors and TNI/POLRI security forces to work together for the success of this democratic party. According to him, synergy between these parties will be the main key to maintaining order and the smooth implementation of the regional elections in Boven Digoel.
Athanasius Koknak also emphasized the importance of the role of various security elements, such as the Police Chief, Dandim, Task Force, Satpol PP, and various other security parties. According to him, they must actively maintain and oversee the democratic process so that it can run smoothly and safely.
We must not only focus on physical security, but we must also monitor the process so that it remains honest and fair, so that the results achieved truly reflect the will of the people. Vice President Ma’ruf Amin also paid serious attention to the preparations for the simultaneous regional elections. He asked the Indonesian General Election Commission (KPU) to strengthen and improve itself, ensuring that all existing weaknesses were corrected. According to him, the KPU must be strengthened so that it is able to hold the Pilkada well, even though it has just faced internal problems in the form of the permanent dismissal of the KPU Chairman, Hasyim Asy’ari, due to allegations of immoral acts.
Ma’ruf Amin emphasized that holding simultaneous regional elections is the most important thing. Therefore, the KPU must remain focused on carrying out its duties even though there are internal problems. In fact, he is considering adding additional KPU members to replace Hasyim Asy’ari, ensuring that this institution continues to function well. According to him, the KPU works as a team, so problems that befall one individual should not disrupt the performance of the entire institution.
In the Vice President’s view, the successful implementation of regional elections does not only depend on the integrity of the KPU, but also the morality and integrity of each individual involved. The case of Hasyim Asy’ari is an important lesson so that immoral acts are not repeated in the future, especially in institutions that hold power. This incident also reminds us of the importance of upholding the principles of morality in carrying out state duties.
Not only in Boven Digoel, calls to maintain the smoothness and honesty of the regional elections also came from various other regions. Chairman of the Red and White Laskar (LMP) Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, Dr. H. Sultani, M.Si, appealed to the public, figures and state civil servants (ASN) to unite to guard and make the November 2024 regional elections a success. According to him, support from all elements of society is very important to realize democratic and ethical regional elections.
Sultani emphasized that LMP continues to encourage and strengthen civil supremacy through partnerships with the government. This is done to create an Indonesia that is more democratic and upholds human rights. He also emphasized the importance of restoring the sense of nationalism, patriotism and brotherhood which had begun to erode due to the unhealthy implementation of democracy.
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections will be an important moment for the people to determine a leader who suits their wishes. Sultani believes that choosing leaders who side with the people will lead the country towards a just and prosperous society. As Chair of the LMP in Pinrang, he feels he has an important role in overseeing government policies and carrying out control functions over policies that do not comply with the rules.
Sultani also gave several recommendations to Acting. Regent of Pinrang to ensure the smooth running of the regional elections. He instructed all ASN and village/subdistrict officials not to get involved in practical politics or use state facilities to support one candidate. According to him, this violation must be dealt with firmly to maintain ASN professionalism and public trust.
Furthermore, Sultani appealed to the public to join together in guarding and making the Pilkada a success in a safe, orderly and conducive manner without pressure or intervention. He reminded that the success of the regional elections is the responsibility of all parties. Therefore, supervision of ASN or government officials who violate the rules must be carried out strictly.
The 2024 simultaneous regional elections are a big test for democracy in Indonesia. Its success is not only the responsibility of election organizers or security forces, but all elements of society must play an active role. By maintaining integrity and working together, we can ensure the democratic process runs smoothly, honestly and fairly. Let us oversee and make this simultaneous regional election a success with full responsibility, in order to achieve our common goal, namely creating a just and prosperous society.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara
