Papua, Indonesia – Security forces in Papua are strengthening preparations to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the 2024 Regional Elections (Pilkada) in Papua. Authorities are committed to ensuring the election process proceeds smoothly and safely.
Liaison Officer for Papua Mountains Regional Police (Polda Papua Pegunungan), Senior Commissioner Andi Yoseph Enoch, along with senior officers and local police personnel, has been overseeing preparations to ensure a secure and peaceful election period.
“As the Commander of Operation Mantap Praja for the Papua Mountains region, I am supporting readiness assessments across various police stations to secure the election process,” said Senior Commissioner Andi.
He explained that these preparations include the operational readiness of teams for the 2024 Operation Mantap Praja Cartenz, focusing on securing the election of regents and deputy regents in Tolikara Regency.
In addition to internal strengthening, security forces are building synergy with various community elements, such as community leaders, religious figures, and local elders, to collectively uphold public order across Papua.
“We hope the entire 2024 Pilkada process proceeds peacefully, especially in the Papua Mountains region, which has historically faced security challenges,” Andi added.
He also expressed hope that the entire election cycle, from November 27 until the final results are announced, will pass without any social conflicts.
In terms of oversight, the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of South Papua Province is involving indigenous Papuans (OAP) to help monitor the election.
This approach aims to strengthen supervision and prevent potential violations during the elections. Muhammad Muhajir, Head of the Division for Prevention, Public Participation, and Public Relations at Bawaslu South Papua, emphasized the importance of community support in enabling effective monitoring.
Bawaslu is collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including OAP.
“Community involvement is crucial to minimizing violations during Pilkada. With the participation of local groups, we hope to achieve electoral fairness,” he said.
“Together, we are committed to safeguarding the democratic process in the Papua South Pilkada,” he concluded.
