The implementation of simultaneous regional head elections in Indonesia is just a matter of days away. Central Papua as one of the new provinces included in the New Autonomous Region welcomed the first democratic party held by the community to elect its regional head with great enthusiasm. The enthusiasm of the community was shown by how they started campaigning after the candidate pairs’ ballot numbers were drawn. There are four candidate pairs who will compete with the campaign to get the most votes from the community. Those who are involved in the democratic party are expected to continue to follow the rules imposed by the General Election Commission regarding what can and cannot be done during the general election, especially during the campaign period.
The Governor of Central Papua, Ribka Haluk, saw the enthusiasm of the community ahead of the regional head elections wisely. He continuously reminded the community to look after each other so that they can carry out a lively democratic party that also has a positive impact. Political education should start to become a focus for candidate pairs in carrying out their campaigns. Healthy competition is also the hope of the governor so that there is no division due to differences in choice in the community. Moreover, the high enthusiasm in the community considering that this is the first regional head election to be held directly by the community is certainly the right moment to introduce a healthy campaign process between competing candidate pairs.
The role of the community in maintaining security and comfort during the campaign period and also until the general election takes place later is assisted by members of the Indonesian National Army and the Indonesian National Police. The two bureaus have rules to be neutral in accordance with applicable laws. Another bureau that is required to be neutral is the State Civil Apparatus. Thus, of course they must be able to remind each other and help the community to jointly carry out and at the same time enjoy the democratic party that will be held.
The hope of all the people in Central Papua Province is of course that the regional head election that will take place in November can be carried out smoothly without any problems. The excitement of the community who will hold a general election to elect their regional head must of course be facilitated by the local government assisted by other stakeholders. In addition, the candidate pairs who will take part in the general election and hope to be elected must of course carry out their campaign in accordance with applicable regulations so that no problems are created that violate the regulations. Moreover, all the rules have been given by the Central Papua Provincial Election Commission and have been read, understood, and approved by all levels of society. So now it’s just a matter of waiting until the end of the year to determine who the elected leader is in Central Papua Province.