Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta – Chief Security Minister Hadi Tjahjanto confirmed on Thursday that the upcoming simultaneous elections for governors, mayors, and regents will proceed as planned.
Indonesia will elect 38 governors and more than 500 mayors and regents across the country on November 27.
Speaking to BTV networks at his office in Jakarta, Hadi said he has arranged coordinating meetings in Papua, South Sulawesi, and North Sumatra to ensure that preparations for the local leader elections are running smoothly. The next meeting will be held in Yogyakarta.
"Preparations are crucial because the simultaneous elections for local leaders are the first ever in Indonesia," Hadi said after receiving a visit from the management of B-Universe Media Holdings.
"Therefore, we gathered ministries and other agencies to contribute ideas about making the upcoming elections a success without any hurdles," he added.
The main challenges will be security and logistical supplies across the archipelago, as the country has never conducted local elections altogether on the same day, added the former Armed Forces commander.
Hadi said his office established an election desk to coordinate 19 ministries and agencies in supporting the elections.
He emphasized that civil servants, election officials, and service members of the military and police are obliged to remain neutral to maintain the integrity of the elections.
Prosecutors, police, and the General Election Oversight Body (Bawaslu) are also coordinating to handle election fraud and disputes, Hadi said.
On the same occasion, B-Universe Executive Chairman Enggartiasto Lukita expressed appreciation for the government's efforts to maintain political stability and the rule of law ahead of the elections.
Enggartiasto said B-Universe is fully prepared to provide fair coverage and disseminate information about the elections.
"I appreciate the minister for his direct approach and involvement on the ground in identifying potential problems [of the elections] and considering solutions immediately," Enggartiasto said.