The recent re-voting (Pemungutan Suara Ulang or PSU) in Papua’s regional elections has unfolded smoothly, peacefully, and securely, marking a significant milestone in the region’s democratic journey. The PSU was crucial to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, reinforcing democratic values and trust among Papuans. The active collaboration between the government, security forces, and local communities was instrumental in achieving this success, showcasing the maturity and resilience of democracy in Papua.
The Context of PSU in Papua
The 2024 Papua’s regional election (Pilkada) featured a fiercely contested gubernatorial race, with some polling stations requiring a re-vote because of technical and procedural issues that occurred on the initial election day. The General Election Commissions (Komisi Pemilihan Umum, or KPU), Indonesia’s General Elections Commission, promptly scheduled PSU on August 6, 2025, to uphold election fairness and the people’s right to vote.
This PSU was critical given the tight competition between the candidates, Benhur Tomi Mano-Constant Karma, who are supported by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan, or PDI-P), against Matius Fakhiri-Aryoko Alberto Ferdinand Rumaropen, who are supported by 16 political parties. Early quick counts by trusted survey institutions indicated a close race, intensifying the stakes of the PSU.
According to the Poltracking quick count, Benhur-Constant secured approximately 50.85% of votes, while Matius-Aryoko garnered 49.15%. Meanwhile, the Indikator quick count reported Matius-Aryoko slightly ahead with 50.71%, compared to Benhur-Constant’s 49.29%, underscoring the tight contest and the importance of transparent and credible voting in this repeat round.
The Backstory: MK Orders a PSU
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 rerun across all polling stations in Papua, with a complete restart of TPS-level voting.
Responding to the court’s decision, the KPU Papua reopened candidate registration for the deputy governor slot—the PDI-P later nominated Drh. Constan Karma as the new running mate for candidate Benhur Tomi Mano.
Preparations were intensely synchronized with supporting bodies, including the Election Supervisory Body (Badan Pengawas Pemilu or Bawaslu), local government, and security forces.
The Seamless Implementation of PSU
Despite initial concerns about potential disruptions, the PSU in Papua proceeded with remarkable calm and order. The KPU, supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs and local government, coordinated meticulously to ensure all logistical, technical, and security aspects were flawlessly managed.
KPU Chairperson Mochammad Afifuddin confirmed, “The PSU was conducted safely, peacefully, and in accordance with all electoral protocols. This is a testament to the dedication of election workers and the vigilance of security personnel.”
The KPU official statement highlighted that more than 1,000 polling stations across nine regencies and one city in Papua took part in the PSU process, with more than 750,000 voter turnout matching or exceeding expectations, demonstrating the high political engagement of Papuan citizens.
Role of Government and Security Forces
A critical factor in the smooth PSU was the proactive role of the government, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs. Deputy Minister Ribka Haluk lauded the electoral process, stating, “The government appreciates the collaborative efforts to ensure that democracy thrives in Papua through peaceful and orderly voting.”
Security forces, including the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), deployed thousands of personnel to maintain order, prevent violence, and protect voters. According to the Police Public Relations Division, there were no reports of significant disturbances during the voting day, and the situation remained “safe and conducive” throughout.
Chief of Papua’s Regional Police, Inspector General Petrus Patrige Rudolf Renwarin commented, “Our primary mission was to safeguard voters and election officials. The cooperation from the community was vital in keeping the situation peaceful.”
The military and police also engaged in outreach programs leading up to PSU, educating communities on the importance of peaceful elections and democratic participation, which contributed to the atmosphere of calm and respect.
Community Engagement and Democratic Values
What made the PSU particularly remarkable was the enthusiastic participation and responsible behavior of Papuan citizens. Community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations actively supported the electoral process by promoting voter awareness and encouraging peaceful participation.
Traditional leaders (Tokoh Adat) played an essential role in fostering unity and discouraging conflicts during the tense pre-election period. Their involvement helped mitigate tensions and ensured that elections remained a unifying event rather than a divisive one.
Voters demonstrated patience and commitment, even in remote and challenging regions, reflecting a growing democratic consciousness among the Papuan people. This active civic engagement exemplifies democracy in action, where the people exercise their sovereignty through voting and peaceful participation.
The Significance of PSU in Papua’s Democratic Development
Papua’s PSU experience offers a powerful example of democracy maturing in a region often beset by political and social challenges. It reaffirms the principle that every vote matters and that electoral integrity must be preserved even when difficulties arise.
Experts note that the successful PSU can enhance public trust in electoral institutions and government, paving the way for more inclusive and transparent governance in Papua.
Political analyst Dr. Maria Kogoya said, “The peaceful PSU sends a strong message that democracy in Papua is resilient and that the government and people are committed to resolving electoral issues fairly.”
Moreover, the re-vote strengthens Indonesia’s democratic credentials nationally and internationally, showing the government’s resolve to uphold election standards even in the most complex regions.
Looking Forward: Lessons and Prospects
The PSU in Papua demonstrates that with good coordination, commitment, and community involvement, even complex electoral challenges can be overcome peacefully. Lessons from Papua can be a model for other regions facing similar electoral difficulties.
Going forward, continued investment in voter education, transparent election management, and robust security cooperation will be key to sustaining democratic gains. The government has indicated plans to enhance election infrastructure and voter services to minimize the need for future re-votes.
In closing, the PSU in Papua is not just an electoral event but a vibrant illustration of democracy taking root and flourishing in one of Indonesia’s most diverse and dynamic provinces. It celebrates the collective effort of government, security forces, and communities to uphold democratic ideals—a promising beacon for Papua’s future political landscape.
Conclusion
The successful and peaceful PSU in Papua’s Pilkada exemplifies the growing strength and maturity of democracy in the region. Through the unwavering collaboration between the government, security forces, and the active engagement of local communities, Papua demonstrated that even in challenging circumstances, democratic principles can be upheld with integrity and calm. This smooth electoral process not only reinforces public trust in the democratic system but also sets a hopeful precedent for future elections in Papua and beyond. Ultimately, the PSU stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of democracy and the shared commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard fairly and securely.