As the clock counts down to August 6, 2025, Papua enters a critical phase of democratic rerun: the Re-vote (Pemungutan Suara Ulang, PSU) for the gubernatorial election. Ordered by the Constitutional Court (MK) earlier this year, the PSU aims to restore electoral integrity and public trust after the initial vote was annulled due to administrative irregularities. In response, the Provincial Government and the security apparatus—including TNI and Polri—are executing a coordinated, multi-stakeholder strategy to ensure that the re‑vote unfolds peacefully, transparently, and credibly.
The Backstory: MK Orders a Re‑Vote
On February 24, 2025, the MK issued a ruling invalidating the entire gubernatorial election in Papua. The court disqualified the deputy governor candidate, Yeremias Bisai, citing a flawed document regarding his criminal record, which did not meet legal requirements. As a result, the MK mandated a full re-run across all polling stations in Papua, with a complete restart of TPS-level voting.
Responding to the court’s decision, the General Election Commission (KPU) Papua reopened candidate registration for the deputy governor slot—Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) later nominated Drh. Constan Karma as the new running mate for candidate Benhur Tomi Mano.
Preparations were intensely synchronized with supporting bodies, including Bawaslu, local government, and security forces.
Technical Coordination: Desk PSU and Logistics
The coordination nerve center is the Desk PSU, established at the Provincial Communications Office. Chaired by Acting Secretary Region (Sekda) Suzana Wanggai and Assistant I Yohanes Walilo, the desk ensures the alignment of key stakeholders. At its first monitoring meeting in late June, authorities confirmed KPU’s logistical readiness, the formation of ad hoc election bodies at district and TPS levels, and adherence to campaign timelines.
In public briefings, both Acting Governor and KPU Papua assured that the entire process—from voter lists to campaign regulations—follows strict timelines and remains transparent. Importantly, the Daftar Pemilih Tetap (DPT) remains unchanged from the original election, though slight adjustments may occur due to technical removal of ineligible voters.
Financial Backbone: Budget Allocations & Accountability
Securing financial resources has been a crucial element of the PSU readiness. At a provincial coordination meeting in mid-May, Wamen Dagri Ribka Haluk told press that the Provincial budget (APBD) had allocated approximately Rp 160.95 billion for PSU costs, covering KPU, Bawaslu, and security needs.
Breakdown: Rp 93 billion to KPU, Rp 38 billion to Bawaslu, Rp 20 billion for Polri logistics, and Rp 14 billion for TNI support. The reallocation draws on prior leftover funds (silpa) from the 2024 election.
Importantly, Acting Governor emphasized fiscal accountability—stressing that the funds are public money and must be utilized effectively.
Public Campaign and Outreach: Inclusive Democracy in Action
Leading voices in the provincial administration have called for inclusive civic engagement. Acting Governor urged media outlets to support PSU as a peaceful, democratic exercise. In March, he encouraged press coverage that is accurate, balanced, and fosters public trust in the process.
Efforts also include a smooth roll‑out of campaign debates—which will be live‑streamed to minimize crowd gathering and maintain neutrality of electoral officials.
Extensive public outreach campaigns via social media, televoting, and video board installations across Papua have been launched to boost voter turnout and awareness. ⁹
Papua
A planned “Deklarasi Pilkada Damai” (Peaceful Election Declaration) will seal a pledge among candidates, electoral authorities, religious and adat leaders, and civil society to uphold a peaceful democratic process.
Security Logistics: TNI‑Polri Ready for August 6
Maintenance of public order has been entrusted to a robust security deployment. Following a flag‑off ceremony on July 21, 2025, 2,875 personnel from TNI (Army, Air Force, and Navy) and Polri are officially deployed to secure PSU operations across Papua. Commanded by Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Maj. Gen. Rudi Puruwito, the security operation includes verification of operational readiness, physical assets, and troop welfare.
In specific locales like Supiori Regency, the local police force has mobilized two‑thirds of its budgeted personnel and reinforced its ranks with backup from Polda Papua. Their focus: securing KPU and Bawaslu offices, as well as polling materials. The aim: guarantee a safe, orderly PSU.
Oversight Mechanisms: Bawaslu and Cyber Supervision
Bawaslu Papua plays a leading role in maintaining electoral integrity, prioritizing preventive measures over punitive ones. Throughout the campaign period, its team conducts cyber patrols to detect and reduce the spread of hoaxes, hate speech, and illicit political messaging.
Bawaslu’s cyber unit works in tandem with Gakkumdu (joint enforcement) and the General Elections Supervisory Committee across provincial, city, and district levels. Their aim: quickly respond to verified reports and uphold fairness in campaign conduct.
Governance Watch: Neutrality and Trust
Public officials have underscored ethical conduct and institutional neutrality. Ramses Limbong repeatedly reminds election organizers, civil servants (ASN), and security actors to avoid any partisan conduct, including via social media or public messaging.
Moreover, ASN across the province are under strict orders to remain neutral; violations will not be tolerated.
Supervision by Central Authorities
On July 2, 2025, KPU RI Chair Mochammad Afifuddin visited Jayapura to personally assess PSU readiness. He confirmed the final PSU date of August 6, 2025, and praised the strong coordination between KPU, local officials, security forces, and civil society.
Afifuddin emphasized logistics as a critical part of oversight—signing off on warehouse inspections in Jayapura and confirming plans for equitable, timetabled distribution to each district.
He also called for involvement of traditional leaders, religious figures, women, and youth groups to foster inclusive turnout.
Key Challenges & Risk Mitigation
The geographic complexity of Papua presents significant logistical challenges, from rugged terrain to isolated polling stations. Security planners have flagged these areas for early delivery and risk mitigation.
Meanwhile, political tension and online misinformation are being tackled through enhanced citizen education, social media outreach, and daily updates from oversight bodies.
Financial transparency is also a priority. Provincial leadership insists on documented expenditure and audits to safeguard public funds allocated to PSU.
Looking Ahead: What It Means for Papua’s Democracy
Papua’s PSU is more than a re‑vote—it is a test case in crisis‑responsive electoral governance. With a legally mandated rerun, authorities have mobilized institutional resources to reinforce procedural legitimacy, enable safe participation, and heal democratic credibility.
If the August 6 vote is peaceful and transparent, it may stand as a milestone in Indonesia’s electoral resilience. More so, it would mark a successful collaboration between electoral authorities, local government, and civil society—a model of decentralized stewardship in a sensitive political environment.
Ultimately, the success of PSU in Papua hinges on trust—trust in institutions, trust in process, and trust in leaders. With broad stakeholder engagement, financial accountability, robust security, and citizen outreach, Papua strives to deliver a democratic reset that reflects the will and dignity of its people.
Conclusion
The Pemungutan Suara Ulang (PSU) in Papua on August 6, 2025, is a crucial moment for restoring public trust in democratic processes after legal and administrative violations led to the annulment of the previous gubernatorial election.
The Indonesian Constitutional Court’s ruling triggered a full re-election, prompting the Papua Provincial Government, KPU, security forces (TNI–Polri), and Bawaslu to mobilize significant resources—financial, logistical, and institutional—to ensure that the rerun is free, fair, and secure.
Efforts include:
- Extensive voter education and media engagement,
- Clear budget transparency and oversight,
- Strong security deployments across sensitive regions,
- and active involvement of civil society, adat, and religious leaders.
Ultimately, the success of this PSU will not just decide who governs Papua but also stand as a litmus test for Indonesia’s electoral resilience and commitment to justice and good governance—especially in complex regions like Papua. A peaceful, inclusive, and credible PSU will help reinforce democracy at both regional and national levels.