The 2024 election campaign has been in full swing since late 2023. Billboards, banners, and posters of presidential and legislative candidates flood the streets, seemingly on every corner.
However, these campaign materials often lack proper organization and, unfortunately, contribute to the problem of visual pollution. The UGM Center for Environmental Studies is taking action to address the surge in visual waste resulting from the 2024 election campaign.
“I believe the issue of visual pollution is not new and doesn’t solely arise during political seasons. It’s a longstanding issue, particularly here in Yogyakarta,” shared Professor Bakti Setiawan from the UGM Faculty of Engineering during the Lestari Podcast on Saturday (Jan. 13).
“However, during election years, billboards are somewhat understandable as part of the democratic process. It’s an ongoing learning curve as we strive to democratize and refine our practices.”
He noted that the public and political parties are beginning to question the efficacy of billboard and poster placements, signaling a shift towards more environmentally conscious approaches within the democratic framework.
The issue of visual pollution during election cycles warrants greater attention from local governments. Haphazardly placed billboards, scattered posters, and left party flags unattended, only compounding Yogyakarta’s waste management challenges.
Visual pollution not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of a city but also disrupts its functionality. There’s a pressing need for more comprehensive evaluations of urban planning, focusing not just on permanent structures but also on the strategic positioning of advertisements to preserve the visual harmony and functionality of urban spaces.
“Urban beauty standards require thorough evaluation. Beauty, inherently subjective, often undergoes assessment by artists or advertisers, but in the end, it’s the community that evaluates,” Professor Setiawan emphasized.
Visual advertisements have artistic elements and important messages to convey to the audience. Political parties can leverage this platform to encapsulate their ideologies, visions, and missions in more elegant and visually captivating campaigns, engaging the community beyond mere observation and fostering a distinct party identity and brand.
Professor Setiawan asserted that everyone deserves to reside in a beautiful, comfortable city. Yogyakarta, renowned for its cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, attracts numerous tourists.
This advantage must be cherished and preserved to sustain its allure and visitor-friendly ambiance. While visual pollution isn’t a new phenomenon, it shouldn’t be normalized.
“Everyone is entitled to a more aesthetically pleasing city, free from visual pollution. As awareness of this issue grows, we need to sustain this momentum in safeguarding our city,” Professor Setiawan concluded.
Author: Tasya