Approaching the date of the Constitutional Court (MK) trial decision regarding the 2024 election dispute, the public is advised to increase awareness of various forms of provocation that may arise, in order to avoid greater social and political tensions.
Since the Constitutional Court was founded, this institution has handled disputes over the results of the presidential and vice presidential elections five times, namely in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024. In MK regulations, cases regarding disputes over the results of the presidential and vice presidential elections will be decided on April 22 2024. At that time, the MK will declare whether or not the victory of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair in the 2024 presidential election is valid.
The 2024 Presidential Election dispute will soon end. Different from previous trials, in this presidential election dispute, the Constitutional Court used unusual discretion several times. For example, starting from summoning ministers to providing an opportunity for the parties to convey conclusions about the trial process which has been running since the end of March 2024. All the testimonies from the witnesses presented by the two applicants have also been heard by the judges of the Constitutional Court.
Apart from that, the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Suhartoyo, said that the stage of presenting conclusions in the trial of the dispute over the results of the previous presidential election (PHPU) was not mandatory. However, in the 2024 PHPU Presidential Election case, there are many different dynamics from before, so the Constitutional Court accommodates the delivery of crucial matters and the submission of files that are still lagging behind through these stages.
The Constitutional Court judges have tried as best and fairly as possible to handle the 2024 Presidential Election PHPU case, but the tense political situation leading up to the announcement of the results of the Constitutional Court trial can become a source of tension and conflict in society. Therefore, it is important for all elements of society to remain calm and show a wise attitude in responding to every development that occurs. For this reason, considering the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the country, it is important for all of us to stay away from all forms of provocation that could trigger conflict.
Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Jimly Asshiddiqie, assessed that all parties accepted the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the dispute over the results of the 2024 Presidential Election. Jimly invited all parties not to remain tense, and was optimistic that all parties could reunite after the Presidential Election.
In line with Jimly Asshiddiqie, Indonesian Political Indicators observer and researcher Bawono Kumoro believes that the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the 2024 election dispute is final and must be accepted by the entire community. According to Bawono, the government has respected all parties who object to the election results by providing legal facilities, namely a lawsuit at the Constitutional Court. Apart from that, the Constitutional Court’s product is a decision with legal force, so it must be respected by all parties.
Provocation can appear in various forms, ranging from spreading false information or hoaxes, verbal or physical attacks, to attempts to pit citizens against each other. Therefore, as a politically mature society, society must be able to distinguish between correct information and avoid spreading unverified information.
It is important to remember that legal processes must be respected and adhered to by all parties. Whatever decision the Constitutional Court issues, it must be accepted gracefully and respected as part of the democratic process that has been mutually agreed upon.
Political expert Arfianto Purbolaksono assesses that the public’s attitude to accept whatever the outcome of the Constitutional Court’s decision is important to keep the situation safe and peaceful. Anto believes that currently there are sparks of conflict, especially after the KPU announced the determination of the election results. However, the spark appeared at the level of the political elite. And he hopes that the escalation of this polemic will not get bigger.
According to Anto, the political elite’s soothing statements can reduce potential conflict, especially after the announcement of the presidential election results by the KPU and ahead of the decision of the presidential election dispute hearing by the Constitutional Court on April 22.
In facing challenging times like these, solidarity and togetherness as a society is very important. Let’s work together to maintain national unity and integrity, and uphold the spirit of democracy and the supremacy of law.
Anto also warned all levels of society to exercise restraint, especially participants who submitted disputes to the Constitutional Court. Anto said, whatever demands they submit to the Constitutional Court must be in line with the evidence. Don’t let opinions widen and develop based on assumptions. Ultimately it will become a narrative circulating in society and possibly become false information, giving rise to negative sentiment and causing heat at the elite level.
His party is optimistic that society has learned from previous experiences. Even if there were mass mobilization, they were part of those who were dissatisfied or affected by the Constitutional Court’s decision. But the escalation will not be too big. Meanwhile, from the political elite, although there are certain indications, so far it has been observed that it remains positive.
All elements of the nation have the responsibility to maintain peace and unity. Let’s maintain togetherness and avoid all forms of actions that can divide the unity of the entire community as a nation. Let’s work together to maintain conduciveness and peace in the country.
As intelligent and responsible citizens, let’s work together to maintain peace, security and national unity, without being provoked by provocations that could damage the integrity of this nation. May Indonesia remain peaceful and successful.
