Jakarta – The 2024 general election has drawn to a close, but the nation continues to pulse with anticipation as we await the final tabulation of the election returns.
This year's election has been hailed as one of the largest single-day electoral events globally, and rightfully so.
It featured more than 204 million registered voters and over 2,700 separate electoral contests for around 20,500 seats – all the responsibility of the General Elections Commission (KPU) to administer impartially and efficiently.
However, amid the jubilation of exercising democratic rights, a sobering reality looms over the locally recruited polling station administrators (KPPS) souls who tirelessly facilitate this monumental event.
These unsung heroes undertake a mammoth task, voluntarily committing themselves to prepare, oversee and manage the voting process before, during and after polling day.
Their commitment extends for days, enduring scrutiny by election monitors and often harsh weather conditions. In several regions, including Jakarta, voting was postponed as floodwater deluged polling stations.
From the eve of voting day, the poll workers diligently await the arrival of logistical support, then toil through the main voting event and extending their service to the following day to complete countless administrative forms.
As some electoral regions call for revotes and district-level KPU officials manually tally votes from 38 provinces, the commitment of these poll workers remains steadfast.
They are often local figures deeply ingrained in their communities, whose experience dates to the country's first direct elections in 2004. However, despite their dedication, casualties persist among their ranks.
The toll of these sacrifices weighs heavily on the minds of many, with the Health Ministry noting that more than 80 poll workers succumbed to exhaustion. The numbers continued to climb even a week after the ballot concluded.
While the number of total casualties appears to have decreased since the 2019 general election, which recorded 894 deaths, the toll remains distressingly high for a democratic process conducted during peacetime. In fact, the KPU set the maximum age of poll workers at 55 this year after the loss of lives of so many poll workers, mostly aged 60 or more, five years ago.
While one death is too many, it underscores the changes needed to entice more able-bodied individuals to partake in this essential democratic exercise.
The scale of death in 2019 reflects the nation's geographical expanse and large population, making the organization of any election a monumental undertaking.
Preparation is paramount, not only for poll workers but also for the supporting infrastructure. Adequate time, resources, training and compensation are essential for poll workers and to ensure the credibility of elections.
Efforts to bolster their ranks have been made, including health screenings, increased remuneration and recruitment of younger volunteers. Yet, the sheer volume of candidates involved in Indonesian elections remains a daunting challenge.
As such, the valor of these young individuals stepping up to the task must be acknowledged. Their tireless efforts transform over 820,000 polling stations nationwide into vibrant centers of democratic participation.
In some instances, they even dip into their modest earnings to embellish polling stations and foster a celebratory atmosphere.
It behooves the government and lawmakers to enhance working conditions for poll workers without compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
In the interim, we extend our utmost respect to these poll workers, whose dedication ensures the resilience of our democracy. And to those who have fallen in the line of duty, may their sacrifices never be in vain, and may their families find solace in the gratitude of a nation indebted to their service.
The importance of the KPPS in facilitating Indonesia's democratic process cannot be overstated. Their dedication, amid challenges and sacrifices, embodies the spirit of democracy and strengthens the foundation of our nation.
As we reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the recent election, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and honoring these unsung heroes who play a vital role in shaping the future of our democracy.
Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/02/26/young-blood-of-democracy.htm