As the simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) scheduled for Nov. 27, 2024, approach, the public and political parties are gearing up to make their choices.
It is essential for the candidates endorsed by political parties to align with the community’s needs and interests so that the elected leaders can accommodate and execute the people’s aspirations. This alignment ensures effective and equitable development.
These discussions surfaced during the Election Corner Forum at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), titled Political Parties’ Strategies in Facing the 2024 Regional Head Elections, on Monday (Mar. 25) at the Fisipol UGM Auditorium.
The speakers included Nur Subiyanto, Secretary of the Gerindra Party’s Regional Leadership Council in Yogyakarta, Johannes Serang Keban from the Golkar Party, Boedi Dewantara from the PKS Faction of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Yogyakarta, and Risa Karmida, Deputy Chair of the Regional Leadership Council of PSI in Yogyakarta.
Nur Subiyanto mentioned that the Gerindra Party pays close attention to internal and external potential. Each candidate must align with the characteristics of the targeted community.
According to him, regional elections are crucial for political parties because the regional heads will execute policies from the central government.
“When we talk about strategies, we talk about potential. We have internal potential and map out which regions we want to dominate,” Subiyanto explained.
Johannes Serang Keban stated that the Golkar Party has a strategy for selecting regional head candidates, so they are very selective in choosing candidates to run in the 2024 Pilkada.
“First, we must see if these candidates have the same vision, mission, and perspective as our party in advancing a region. That is important, not just sitting, but whether their performance aligns with the party’s strategic direction,” he clarified.
Boedi Dewantara echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that candidate selection must be modern, balanced, and rational. The PKS faction needs strong and courageous candidates who can bring about change while advocating for democracy.
“So it’s not just about someone strong; they must be able to stand up against the executive branch and bring about changes. In Yogyakarta, they must understand what makes DIY special,” Dewantara added.
Risa Karmida noted that young people’s role in the 2024 elections has proven to have tremendous influence. However, attention is often focused only on the presidential candidates, neglecting the local leaders.
“Many young people are apathetic, not knowing who they vote for. Yet, millennials and Gen Z will dominate in the future. So, in terms of our political party’s strategy, we want to get closer to the community. Hence, they know their local leaders better,” Karmida stated.
Alfath Bagus Panuntun, a lecturer at the Department of Politics and Government at Fisipol UGM, emphasized that political parties must position themselves, absorb community aspirations, and fight for the people’s interests before the elections.
Additionally, he hopes that educated middle-class citizens will contribute to realizing fair and dignified elections.
“Educated middle-class citizens can contribute to maximizing their central role in achieving fair and dignified elections,” Panuntun concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson