From Prep to Polls: KPPS Journey to the Pemilu 2024

Figure 1: Pemilu vector. Source: Author’s own work.

General elections or Pemilu are pivotal moments in the democratic life of a nation. Thorough preparation and effective organization are crucial to ensuring the smoothness of the democratic process. This time, I will share my personal experience and how it has provided me with new insights and a profound understanding of the importance of participation in the democratic process.

Embarking on the Path

Becoming impactful within the community has been an integral part of my life journey. Coming from a migrant family in the village, it’s certain that I lacked familial connections or insider assistance. I truly started from scratch, engaging in small youth events since my teenage years. Continuously nurturing positive connections to sustain impact up to this point has been one of the rewarding aspects of my journey.

Last year in 2023, I seized an opportunity to serve as one of the Voter Data Update Officer or Pantarlih in the Mulyoarjo village after independently applying. My tenure as a Pantarlih commenced from February 3rd — March 12th, 2023. One of the main tasks during my tenure was conducting voter data verification and research, commonly known as ‘coklit’, by directly visiting voters.

This activity holds significant implications for the upcoming Pemilu 2024, scheduled for February 14th. I applied independently for Election Organizing Group position at the Mulyoarjo Village PPS Office. Following the document selection process and health tests, I was accepted as a Election Organizing Group at Polling Station 07 or KPPS at TPS 07. The skills I acquired while contributing to the village successfully led me to become a KPPS and be inaugurated on January 25th, 2024 alongside 132 other KPPS members from Mulyoarjo Village.

My Responsibility

I secured the second position in the final rankings because, through deliberations at the polling station (TPS), we determined the positions of KPPS members according to the predetermined ranking. This outcome practically placed me as KPPS Member 2, subsequently referred to as the Deputy Chairperson. My tenure as a KPPS member lasted from January 25, 2024 — February 25, 2024.

Due to limited human resources within the group, the Chairperson requested me to take on a dual role as the sole operator for SIAKBA and the primary operator for SIREKAP. Consequently, I had to willingly commence my tenure earlier than my peers starting on January 14, 2024 as the sole operator for SIAKBA.

Challenges Encountered

As of February 9th, 2024 I’ve encountered numerous challenges from both internal and external sources. The most significant external difficulty I’ve faced is the complexity of using the SIREKAP application, ranging from its high memory consumption to other system failures. These challenges have demanded a high level of patience from us, often taking weeks to overcome.

One of the internal challenges we’ve encountered, particularly within TPS 07 revolves around task distribution. Here, we’ve noticed that older members tend to be reluctant to accept input from younger members. In response, I’ve endeavored to explain that all tasks have been carried out according to the initial agreements, with task assignments based on the guidelines outlined in the KPPS manual.

Regarding personal challenges thus far, I haven’t encountered any significant obstacles, even though being a KPPS member isn’t my sole occupation. I also engage in numerous literacy activities on my personal social media as one of my ways of showing support. I always strive to make the most of my time for work. With creativity and dedication, I’ve been able to find suitable solutions to any issues that arise. I make every effort to maintain optimal mental and physical conditions and to meet all targets.

One unique aspect so far has been the significant number of potential voters who have come to my house to ensure they won’t miss the opportunity to participate in the 2024 general elections. I’ve sought to reassure them that KPPS representatives will personally deliver invitations to their homes, ensuring they can exercise their right to vote. As part of the preparation team, I’ve keenly felt the importance of collaboration among all involved parties from election organizers and relevant government agencies to civil society and internal teams.

Every individual has an equal opportunity to contribute to society at large. The avenues for developing these opportunities vary for each person. There is much hidden effort and dedication behind it. Not all job opportunities can be obtained through dishonest means that exploit strong personal relationships or connections.

I realize how important it’s to ensure that every voice is heard and every voter has equal access to the voting process. Witnessing the enthusiasm of the public in participating in the democratic process is also an inspiring experience, as it underscores the importance of voting rights in shaping the future of the country.

Being part of the 2024 Elections, which has reached its final preparation stage, is a journey filled with challenges and valuable experiences. Through collaboration, dedication, and integrity, I can ensure the smoothness and fairness of the democratic process. This experience not only provides new insights into the importance of participation in political processes but also inspires me to continue contributing to strengthening the foundations of democracy in Indonesia.