Jakarta, IO – Indonesia will hold simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) across the regions in November 2024. In light of this, it is intriguing to look into preparations of Papua for the upcoming Pilkada. According to Law No. 14 of 2022 on the Establishment of South Papua Province, Law No. 15 of 2022 on the Establishment of Central Papua Province, and Law No. 16 of 2022 on the Establishment of the Papua Highlands Province, Papua has been officially redefined into six provinces: West Papua, Papua, Central Papua, Papua Highlands, South Papua and Southwest Papua.
This geopolitical revision presents new challenges for the simultaneous Pilkada, particularly regarding logistics and coordination. Administrative preparations, such as determining electoral districts, forming election commissions at the provincial and district/city levels, voter registration and distributing election logistics, must be carried out thoroughly and well in advance, to ensure proper execution. Another significant concern is the need to improve the human resource capacity in each new province, as they might lack experience and skills, and need upgrading.
The new provinces and their residents need an outreach program to acquaint them with administrative and technical changes, as well as the need for their significant participation in the simultaneous Pilkada. To prevent confusion or any other issues on election day, intensive voter education campaigns on aspects of Pilkada and information on voting procedures must be conducted. It is also important to apply inclusivity for both indigenous communities and people with disabilities in preparing Pilkada.
Establishing six new provinces also provides a chance to focus on the specific aspirations and needs of local communities. Each province has unique characteristics and challenges, requiring tailored approaches that suit local inhabitants. The new provinces are expected to produce higher political participation and future regional leaders who truly understand and advocate for local communities’ interests.
The discourse about how Indigenous Papuans (OAP) are no longer required to vote in the Pilkada has been addressed by the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) in the six provinces of Papua, advocating for the political rights of OAP in the 2024 simultaneous Pilkada at the district and city level. The MRP emphasizes the importance of sustaining OAP representation in local government to preserve and strengthen the identity and aspirations of the Indigenous Papuan community. Recently, the Association of MRP Throughout Papua submitted a request for an amendment to the General Election Commission (KPU) Regulation No. 2 of 2024 to the General Election Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (KPU RI) dated May 17, 2024. They asked for special regulations for regent and mayoral candidates in the 2024 regional election across Papua, that must be OAP.
The MRP believes that this special regulation will secure the interests and rights of the indigenous Papuan community amid evolving politics; moreover, it is mandated by Law No. 21 of 2001 on Special Autonomy for Papua. They argue that OAP deeply understand the local culture, customs and needs, enabling them to create more targeted and effective policies for the Papuan community. This request responds to concerns that without special regulations, OAP participation in local government may far decline, eroded by candidates from outside Papua with stronger resources and political networks. This could result in less OAP representation in making critical decisions for their future region.
Excellent preparation and good coordination can help ensure the success of the simultaneous Pilkada in Papua, providing a positive democratic experience that aligns with the Papuan people’s aspirations and strengthening the unity and development of the increasingly dynamic region of Papua. Active participation and fair representation of OAP in local government is essential to meet the aspirations and needs of the Papuan community.
On the other side, there are still challenges to implementing good governance and encouraging public activism and critique of government operations, including those led by OAP, to emphasize an inclusive, accountable, and integrity-driven democracy, particularly for the welfare of the Papuan people.
To achieve these objectives, the government and relevant parties need to provide training and capacity building for election organizers in the new provinces, to ensure elections run smoothly and professionally, while reducing logistical and coordination risks and conducting intensive and inclusive educational and informative campaigns about the importance of participation in Pilkada and the election procedures. The government also must encourage collaborative work between relevant parties to explain the administrative and technical changes and their significant participation.
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OAP representation in regent and mayor elections ensures the fairness and political viability of OAP in a changing political scene. Pilkada contestants, whether representing political parties, coalitions of political parties or individuals, including the OAP, must also prepare superior leadership candidates for the Papuan community, in a healthy competition. The national government, local governments, and traditional institutions like the MRP must coordinate and accommodate all technical and cultural aspects of the Pilkada to ensure the aspirations and demands of the indigenous Papuan people.
Improvements and adaptations to election infrastructure are critical. To avoid disruptions to the election process, election logistics must be distributed efficiently and on schedule. The 2024 regional election must be held in a safe and suitable setting. Moreover, the 2024 simultaneous Pilkada in Papua is expected to run smoothly and with integrity, delivering optimal results and representing the Papuan people’s aspirations.