Komnas HAM Asks KPU To Ensure Supervision Of KPPS Officers So They Don't Fall Like 2019

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has asked the General Elections Commission (KPU) to ensure health supervision of polling group officials (KPPS) in the 2024 Simultaneous Elections.

"Why does Komnas HAM pay attention to this? Because one of the rights of citizens is the right to health, the right to life; and it is not only for citizens in general, but also for election organizers," said Deputy Head of Internal Affairs of Komnas HAM Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 12.

According to the former KPU member, the KPU as the election organizer must ensure the health of officers at the polling stations (TPS) because it is a human right that needs to be fulfilled.

"The election organizers who served during the election have the right to health, which the KPU must guarantee as its regulator, as those who recruit it, as well as the Ministry of Health who do have health facilities and infrastructure," he added.

His party has coordinated this with the KPU. According to him, the KPU has taken at least three initiative steps to ensure supervision of KPPS officers.

The first step is regarding the determination of the maximum age limit for KPPS officers. It is known, the KPU set the highest age to become a KPPS officer in the 2024 election to be 55 years old.

"If (the election) in 2019 there are no limits," he added.

In addition, the KPU has also tightened the health requirements for prospective KPPS officers by attaching a health certificate from the authorities.

"In the past, only a statement letter that 'I am healthy', now it must be with a more authoritative health certificate," he said.

The KPU will also reduce the workload of KPPS officers by dividing the vote count process into two panels, so that the duration of vote counting at polling stations (TPS) can be optimal.

Pramono assessed that the KPU's initiative could reduce the potential for work accidents such as in the 2019 election.

"By reducing the workload, the officer's stress level will decrease. Thus, it is hoped that the chances or potential for illness and death will be much smaller," he said.

Coordinator of the Human Rights Advancement Sub-Commission Komnas HAM Anis Hidayah said the KPU needed to ensure the availability of other health support drugs or infrastructure in each polling station.

"Especially in areas that are far from access (health facilities), yes, (such as) islands and hinters. So, this needs affirmation on-site health services for KPPS officers," said Anis.

In addition, Komnas HAM Commissioner for Studies and Research Saurlin P. Siagian said Komnas HAM also recommended the KPU to ensure health insurance for officers involved in the 2024 Simultaneous Elections.

"We want to make sure all the organizers have insurance, that's the most important thing too; and when there is illness, we must ensure that there is insurance covered by the KPU. That's part of what we recommend," said Saurlin.