By: Oryza Gunarto (*
Revoting (PSU) is not a setback in the democratic process, but rather a healthy form of correction to ensure justice, transparency, and integrity in every stage of the election. Amidst the dynamics of national politics and the challenges of implementing simultaneous elections, the steps taken by the government and election organizers in holding PSU in several regions should be appreciated as a real reflection of the commitment to honest and dignified democracy.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk emphasized that the implementation of PSU is a form of the government’s constitutional responsibility in ensuring that the democratic process runs according to the legal corridor and the principle of justice. Ribka said that the implementation of PSU is a form of the government’s commitment to ensuring that every stage of democracy runs well, transparently, and fulfills the principle of justice for all people in the relevant region. This statement is not just rhetoric, but becomes a moral foothold for all elements of the nation to support the implementation of PSU peacefully and with quality.
In practice, PSU is not just a repetition of the election process. It carries a big mission: maintaining public trust in the democratic system. When indications were found that required a refresh of the democratic process, the government came up with a constitutional solution through a PSU to maintain the integrity of the election results, the PSU came as an elegant and constitutional answer. The government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has shown good faith not to turn a blind eye to the various dynamics that occur, especially in areas that have high sensitivity to political and security issues.
However, the success of the PSU was entirely driven by the government’s unwavering commitment and full support from all elements of the supervisory and organizing bodies. The role of the General Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) is central to maintaining the quality of the PSU. Bawaslu RI Member for the Legal and Dispute Resolution Division, Totok Hariyono, emphasized the importance of comprehensive supervision to ensure transparency and accountability in the democratic process. According to him, Bawaslu also coordinates closely with security forces to anticipate disturbances, especially in conflict-prone areas. This statement emphasizes that the election should not be an arena for intimidation, but rather a democratic celebration that provides a safe and free space for the community to exercise their voting rights.
This is very relevant especially in areas that often face special challenges such as Papua. In the context of Papua, PSU is not only about electing regional leaders, but also about strengthening public trust in the state system. Deputy Secretary of the AM Synod GKI Working Body in Tanah Papua, Rev. Handry Kakiay, S.Th, gave a strong moral invitation to all congregations and the community to actively make the PSU a success. According to him, maintaining integrity in democracy in Papua through an honest, fair, and dignified PSU is the key to producing leaders who truly work to serve the community wholeheartedly.
The support from religious figures reflects that honest democracy is not only a matter of the state, but also a moral calling for all levels of society. When a leader born from a clean and dignified democratic process is elected, the legitimacy of his leadership will be strong. This will have a direct impact on the stability of regional government and the sustainability of inclusive and fair development.
The implementation of the PSU is also an important reflection for all stakeholders to be more careful and professional in carrying out each stage of the election in the future. As reminded by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk, the PSU is a concrete example of a progressive policy from the government that must be an example in democracy. There should no longer be any gaps in procedural negligence, vote manipulation, or pressure on voters that could harm democratic values. The stability of democracy in the regions will be stronger if all parties uphold the principles of honesty and justice in democracy.
From a policy perspective, the government’s decision to facilitate the implementation of the PSU to the maximum is clear evidence of its support for the principle of people’s sovereignty. It is not easy to take a stance to reopen the election process, especially when it involves budget, resources, and security risks. However, the government has shown that the value of healthy democracy is higher than any form of short-term practical compromise. This is a positive precedent for the future of elections in Indonesia.
In the spirit of unity and love for the homeland, let citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, security forces, organizers, and political elites provide full support for the implementation of the PSU. Honest democracy is not only the responsibility of the government, but also a shared mandate for the entire Indonesian nation. Active participation, maintaining peace, and ensuringEvery vote is counted fairly is a real manifestation of our love for this Republic. Let’s together realize a healthier, stronger, and more dignified democracy. PSU is a momentum, and we are all part of that good history.
More than just a procedural obligation, PSU is real evidence of the government’s courage in ensuring that democracy remains on the right and dignified track. This is a mechanism that allows our democracy to grow up, not be allergic to criticism, and be able to improve itself when inconsistencies are found. In this case, Indonesia shows the world that democracy is not a static system, but a dynamic process that continues to be refined with a spirit of openness. The courage to hold PSU is also a strong signal that the voice of the people remains the main foundation in determining the direction of leadership, without compromising integrity and honesty.
(* The author is a Political Observer and Public Policy Observer
