Strict Supervision Of Bawaslu Can Prevent Potential Conflicts Of The TNI-Polri In Central Java Pilkada

JAKARTA UIN political observer Walisongo Semarang, Kholid Adid hopes that Central Java Bawaslu will actively monitor the potential for maneuvering officers in the 2024 Central Java Pilgub to prevent conflicts between the TNI and the Police.

He said that the background of Andika Perkasa and Ahmad Luthfi in the TNI and Polri would certainly raise public concerns about the neutrality of the two institutions. Moreover, the two governor candidates are believed to have a territorial network in Central Java.

However, Kholid believes Andika and Luthfi will compete according to the rules and do not involve the TNI and Polri institutions. Therefore, strict supervision from Bawaslu Central Java will help minimize potential conflicts between the TNI and Polri.

"He is both (Lutfi and Andika) the best people who understand the electoral rules. I hope that the TNI and Polri institutions are truly neutral to maintain conduciveness in Central Java. However, Bawaslu must also play an active role in monitoring maneuvers that may still occur," he said, Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Meanwhile, in terms of contestation, Kholid assessed that Ahmad Luthfi was still superior to Andika in electoral terms. In addition to being promoted by a fat coalition, the former Central Java Police Chief is considered to have the blessing of President Joko Widodo and the elected president Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, Andika Perkasa's figure is more active outside the Central Java region, and only emerged after being declared a candidate for governor by the PDI-P.

"As a former Central Java Police Chief, Luthfi is certainly more popular and has a network to various elements of society. However, Andika is supported by a total PDIP that has a loyal mass base in Central Java. This is what makes the 2024 Central Java gubernatorial election fierce," concluded Kholid.