The official inauguration of three presidential and vice-presidential candidates took place in October 2023, setting the stage for this year’s pivotal election.
As Indonesia gears up to choose its next leader for the next five years, the General Election Commission (KPU) has issued a timely reminder, urging the public to verify and manage their voter registration at their designated polling stations (TPS) one month before the 2024 election.
For those living away from their registered areas, especially students registered to vote in their hometown’s TPS, the process involves arranging a voting relocation letter at the TPS within Yogyakarta.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has proactively disseminated information to its students, emphasizing the need to organize voting relocation by Jan. 15, 2024.
In support of this effort, the General Election Commission of Sleman Regency (KPU Sleman) has inaugurated a voting relocation service post for additional voter lists at the UGM Pancasila Sports Arena on Thursday (Jan. 11).
Guided by the Constitutional Court Decision Number 20/PUU-XVII/2019 on Voting Relocation, nine specific conditions or criteria permit voters to transfer their voting rights to another TPS.
Among these criteria is the allowance for students taking study duties, a scenario applicable to most students.
The KPU Sleman voting relocation post, operational from 08:00 to 15:00 WIB, witnessed a bustling scene of students eager to finalize their voting arrangements.
For many students, this marks their inaugural participation in an election, amplifying their enthusiasm as they eagerly anticipate the voting day on Feb. 14.
Endita, a UGM Communication Science undergraduate, expressed her enthusiasm as a first-time voter.
“Yes, this is my first time participating in the election, so I am enthusiastic. I came from Pekanbaru, and this post helps me arrange my voting relocation. It’s a bit crowded, but finally it’s done,” she said.
Approximately 250 voters successfully navigated the administrative requirements for voting relocation that day. The process, involving only a certificate from the UGM Directorate of Student Affairs and an e-ID, proved swift and straightforward.
Upon arrival, voters filled out digital forms and printed them to obtain a voting relocation endorsement letter. After determining the destination TPS, voters could verify their data at cekdptonline.kpu.go.id.
In anticipation of the 2024 election, the KPU has augmented the number of TPS in Yogyakarta. From the existing 1,373 TPS, an additional 13 have been introduced, bringing the total to 1,386.
This decision was prompted by an increase of 9,368 unregistered voters, mainly comprised of non-Yogyakarta residents pursuing voting relocation from their hometowns. Some TPS had exceeded the voting capacity of 300 votes, necessitating the addition of a new TPS.
The KPU Sleman voting relocation post strategically offers convenience to voters by selecting the nearest TPS in proximity to their boarding houses, residences, or temporary dwellings. These locations are strategically distributed across various points, such as Sinduharjo, Sariharjo, Minomartani, Wedomartani, Bimomartani, Sindumartani, and others.
Beyond providing logistical ease for voters, the establishment of the post exemplifies UGM’s commitment to contribute to the successful execution of the 2024 election.
Encouraging public participation and responsible exercise of voting rights, the university emphasizes the critical role each individual plays in shaping Indonesia’s destiny over the next five years.
As the nation braces for this democratic milestone, let us unite to ensure a secure and democratic political process on Feb. 14, 2024.
Author: Tasya