Central Java Gubernatorial Election Survey SMRC-Indicator Odd, Persepi Urged To Unload Data

JAKARTA - The significant difference between the results of the SMRC survey and Indonesian Political Indicators (IPI) in the 2024 Central Java Governor Election (Pilgub) was requested to be dismantled.

The Indonesian Public Opinion Survey Association (Persepi) must disclose data and should not selectively conduct in-depth checks on suspicious differences in the SMRC survey and Political Indicators.

Professor of Andalas University Prof. Dr. Asrinaldi emphasized that Persepi must act decisively. The striking difference in the 2024 Central Java Pilgu survey cannot be ignored. The survey period of SMRC and IPI is even close together, with SMRC conducting a survey on November 7-12 and IPI on November 7-13.

The difference in Andika Perkasa's electability in the IPI and SMRC surveys is too significant to be taken lightly. IPI noted Andika-Hendi's electability was 43.46 percent, while SMRC showed a much higher figure, 50.4 percent.

"I think this difference must be explored by the Ethics Council so that everything clearly needs to be deepened by discussing it with related parties," Asrinaldi said in a statement, Wednesday, November 20.

According to Asrinaldi, the examination of the survey data is an important step to restore public trust. A thorough audit must be carried out so that the results of the survey presented are truly trustworthy and objective.

"It is better if the raw data from this survey is audited to find out what the problem is. We cannot conclude before being thoroughly examined," he said.

This is not the only time that the results of the Central Java gubernatorial election survey have attracted public attention. In the previous period, the LSI Denny JA survey showed different results, placing Andika Perkasa in a position of defeat with 28.2 percent. Meanwhile, the SMRC survey in almost the same period recorded Andika Perkasa's electability of 48.1 percent.

The irregularities that occurred in various political surveys raised public concerns about the credibility of survey institutions in Indonesia. Persepi is required to dissect all related data so that transparency can be enforced.

The public views this audit step as not just a formality, but a necessity to maintain the integrity of the survey process in Indonesia. The Credibility of Quiet and other survey institutions is at stake if this kind of irregularity is left without strict supervision.