24-11-2023 (JAKARTA) Concerns over potential electoral fraud have prompted several Indonesian civil society groups to initiate a non-partisan movement called Jaga Pemilu (Guard the Election). Launched on Nov 21 in Jakarta, the movement aims to ensure the fairness of the February 2024 presidential and legislative elections, drawing attention from notable social activists, including poet Goenawan Mohamad and anti-corruption advocate Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas.
Erry emphasized the independence of Jaga Pemilu, clarifying that its members are not affiliated with any political party. The movement’s primary objective is to safeguard the election process and prevent any manipulation or deviation from existing regulations, he explained during the launch event attended by human rights campaigners and university lecturers.
Citizens are urged to report election fraud or submit photo and video evidence through Jaga Pemilu’s digital platform. This call follows recent incidents of police removing posters of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo and putting up posters of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), affiliated with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, a rival to Ganjar.
The 2024 elections have witnessed alliances and rivalries, with Prabowo teaming up with President Joko Widodo’s elder son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, while Ganjar, a former central Java governor, pairs with Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD. Concerns of manipulation heightened after a controversial Constitutional Court ruling allowed Gibran to contest despite being below the qualifying age of 40.
Ririn Sefsani, chairman of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation and an initiator of Jaga Pemilu, expressed concern that state apparatus might be involved in election-rigging. With official campaigning set to begin on Nov 28, the movement seeks to uphold the integrity of the election process.
The Election Organisation Ethics Council has received over 280 reports of alleged electoral fraud and violations, including claims of political affiliations among Bawaslu (Elections Supervisory Agency) commissioners. Observers have pointed to fears of manipulation following the Constitutional Court’s controversial ruling and subsequent removal of its chief justice, Anwar Usman.
Civil rights activist Alif Iman Nurlambang stated that concerns about the upcoming elections’ integrity are at their highest since Indonesia began direct presidential elections in 2004. Professor Sulistyowati Irianto emphasized the importance of politicians adhering to existing laws to avoid potential social unrest.
Entrepreneur Anton J. Supit, a senior member of Indonesian employers’ association (Apindo), highlighted the necessity of a legitimate and strong government for economic stability. President Widodo, addressing reports of campaign poster incidents, warned civil servants and police officers against showing partiality leading up to the election, pledging to dismiss any found to be taking sides.
