Government and General Election Commission Unite to Realize Democratic and Safe Re-voting
By: Nikita Widy
The presence of local governments together with the General Election Commission (KPU) in overseeing the implementation of the Re-voting (PSU) is a real form of joint commitment to maintain the quality of democracy at the local and national levels. In the midst of the spirit of maintaining the quality of the election, the PSU is an important part of the organizers’ commitment to ensure that every process runs according to regulations. The local government, as a representation of the local administrative authority, has a strategic role in ensuring technical readiness and security during the implementation of the PSU.
The KPU as the election organizer demonstrates its integrity by adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability in every stage of the re-voting. All KPU ranks in the regions are actively involved in the preparation process, including in terms of logistics, training KPPS officers, and socialization to voters. This aims to ensure that voters still have legitimate voting rights and continue to feel confident in the democratic process that is carried out openly and responsibly. Harmonious collaboration between the KPU and local governments is the key to the success of the orderly and democratic implementation of the PSU.
Comprehensive anticipatory measures continue to be taken as proof of the alertness of the government and security forces in ensuring the order and smoothness of the PSU. Police and TNI officers were also deployed to maintain security around polling stations, anticipate potential disturbances, and ensure that the public can vote without pressure or intimidation. The local government provided full support through cross-sector coordination and the provision of necessary facilities, including logistics and transportation for the distribution of ballot boxes. The presence of elements of the Regional Leadership Council (Muspida) in coordination meetings also demonstrated strong synergy in supporting a healthy democracy.
Lampung Police Chief, Inspector General Helmy Santika said that 1,042 joint personnel had been deployed to secure the PSU in Pesawaran Regency. He emphasized that this security was a form of the Police’s commitment to ensuring the smoothness of the democratic process. During security, personnel were asked to act professionally and humanely.
The community played a major role in the success of the PSU, especially in maintaining conduciveness and channeling aspirations in an orderly manner. Various elements of civil society, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, and community organizations are involved to educate citizens so that they are not easily provoked by misleading issues deliberately spread by irresponsible parties. KPU RI Commissioner, Idham Holik explained that the regional KPU is also intensifying socialization directly and through social media so that the public knows the time and place of the PSU. Openness of information is one effective way to increase voter participation and prevent misunderstandings that can cause tension.
In the implementation of the PSU, the KPU also applies the principle of inclusivity, by ensuring that vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and indigenous peoples get their right to vote properly and safely. The provision of disability-friendly polling stations, ballots in Braille, and assistance from accompanying officers are real manifestations that democracy is comprehensive and reaches all groups. The regional government also facilitates this aspect through policies that favor marginalized groups, including easy access to transportation and information.
The presence of the regional government is not just a formality, but is a symbol of collective responsibility to create a healthy and trusted democratic climate. Mayors, regents, sub-district heads and village heads are empowered to convey a message of neutrality, as well as to become a liaison between the organizers and the community. This commitment is also demonstrated in the form of internal supervision of state civil apparatus (ASN) so that they are not involved in practical politics during the PSU process. The central government also gave strict instructions for regional heads to maintain neutrality and fully support the election process according to the rules.
Lampung Governor, Rahmat Mirzani Djausal explained that the PSU is not just a repetition of the election process, but a momentum to strengthen and consolidate democracy at the local and national levels. The various technical dynamics that have occurred are used as a basis by the KPU and Bawaslu to continue to improve and perfect the election system in the future. The KPU together with Bawaslu continue to identify vulnerable points and conduct comprehensive evaluations so that mistakes are not repeated. This is important to maintain the credibility of the election institution while strengthening public trust.
