The Voter Education Network (JPPR) has identified various issues and challenges in the 2024 Regional Head Elections that continue to impact the quality of democracy in Indonesia. These issues range from procedural inaccuracies and the suitability of polling station (TPS) locations to low voter turnout.
JPPR’s monitoring highlighted several recurring problems, including delays in opening TPS. For instance, polling stations like TPS 05 in Sangaji Village, North Maluku, and TPS 03 in Wonorejo, Central Java, faced delays due to incomplete logistics and the absence of witnesses. These delays, coupled with technical difficulties in opening ballot boxes, underline the need for better coordination among local election organizers.
The appropriateness of TPS locations also remains a critical concern. Some polling stations were found to be set up in places of worship, including in South Sulawesi, Central Java, East Java, and DKI Jakarta. Additionally, several TPS were located near campaign command posts, which may create perceptions of bias and psychological pressure on voters. Notable examples include TPS 048, TPS 042, and TPS 037 in East Jakarta; TPS 003 in Karangrejo; TPS 18 in Tegal Sari; TPS 14 in Laikang Village, Makassar; and TPS 09 in Mangasa Village, Ternate. Such situations risk undermining the independence and neutrality of the election process.
Administrative violations were also reported, with some TPS failing to display the final voter list (DPT), the additional voter list (DPTb), and candidate information. This issue was documented at several TPS, including those in East Jakarta (TPS 048, 042, 037), Karangrejo TPS 003, Tegal Sari TPS 18, Laikang TPS 14, and Mangasa TPS 09.
Logistical shortcomings further hindered the election process. For example, TPS 06 in Serkan, Lamongan, East Java, did not have backup ballot papers, leaving no room for error or additional needs during the election. Such gaps in logistics management highlight the need for greater attention to field operations.
Another pressing challenge is the low voter turnout in several regions, which threatens the quality of democracy. In Tambora, West Jakarta, and Bandung, West Java, voter participation was reported to be below 50%. This low turnout reflects the urgent need for election organizers and the government to intensify efforts to raise public political awareness.
JPPR also documented election fraud, including instances of vote-buying in various regions. Cases were reported in TPS 1 in Halmahera Selatan, TPS 42 in Cawang, East Jakarta, TPS 06 in Cilacap, Central Java, TPS 05 in Sukoharjo, and TPS 002 in Pangkajene, Luwu Timur, South Sulawesi. Similar violations were observed in East Java, including Pasuruan, Sidoarjo, Batu City, Probolinggo City, Jember, and Lamongan.
In regions with single-candidate elections, additional issues arose, such as the prohibition of election observers. This is contrary to the stipulations of PKPU 17/2024 Article 83 Paragraph 4, which allows up to two observers from one organization to monitor each TPS. Violations of this rule were recorded in TPS 15 in Sanggrahan, Sukoharjo, Central Java.
These findings emphasize the need for significant improvements in the technical, logistical, and administrative aspects of election management to ensure a fair and democratic process.