Jayapura- Ahead of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) in Papua, various traditional figures and community leaders have voiced their support for the implementation of safe and peaceful elections. This initiative reflects the strong commitment of local stakeholders to ensure the democratic process runs smoothly in the region.
The traditional leader of the Kamoro tribe, Marianus Magnaiteku, emphasized the importance of viewing the Pilkada not only as an arena for differences in choices, but as a valuable opportunity to celebrate democracy in the land of Papua. He invited all levels of society to participate in supporting the smooth running of the Pilkada, with the aim of making Papua a better shared home.
Magnaiteku also reminded that maintaining calm and security during the Pilkada process is the collective responsibility of all Papuan people. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Papua as a land of peace and continuing to develop in a better direction. Furthermore, this traditional figure emphasized that Pilkada is a national agenda that requires the support of all parties.
In an effort to realize safe and peaceful regional elections, Magnaiteku appealed to the public to avoid all forms of actions that could trigger betrayal, both between candidate pairs and between supporters. He believes that by maintaining calm and peace, Papua can become an example of implementing peaceful democracy and full of togetherness.
Calls for safe and peaceful regional elections also echoed in Keerom Regency, Papua. Entering the campaign period, a number of local figures have voiced their rejection of political identities which are still being used massively by certain individuals in an effort to win the Papua Governor Election (Pilgub).
Chairman of the Keerom Traditional Council, Jakobus Mekawa, invited all parties to think more maturely in politics. He emphasized that the ongoing peaceful election process was in accordance with applicable regulations. Therefore, Mekawa believes it is unethical if there are parties who continue to try to fool the public with SARA issues.
