Makassar And South Manokwari Are The Most Vulnerable Regions In The 2020 Pilkada

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has again launched a new 2020 election vulnerability index (IKP). Previously, the IKP was launched in February.

In the IKP this time, Bawaslu also included Pilkada vulnerability due to the COVID-19 pandemic factor. As a result, the level of vulnerability of the Pilkada to be held on December 9 will increase.

"In this update, Bawaslu includes the context of the pandemic that we have experienced in recent months. This pandemic has greatly affected the implementation of regional elections," said Bawaslu member Afiffudin in his statement, Tuesday, June 23.

The two most vulnerable areas in the 2020 Pilkada are Makassar City and South Manokwari Regency. Makassar is the city with the highest vulnerability out of 20 districts / cities in the context of the corona virus pandemic.

Furthermore, Bone Bolango Regency, Bulungan Regency, Karawang Regency, Manado City, North Minahasa Regency, Tomohon City, and Gowa Regency.

Then Sijunjung Regency, Sungai Penuh City, Tasikmalaya Regency, Lamongan Regency, East Kotawaringin Regency, Banjarbaru City, Ternate City, Depok City, and South Tangerang City. Furthermore, Semarang City, Bantul Regency, and Melawi Regency.

In addition, 146 other districts / cities are indicated to be currently in the context of a pandemic and 88 urban districts are in a low risk point from the pandemic side.

"The aspects measured in the context of a pandemic are the regional election budget related to COVID-19, data related to COVID-19, local government support, community resistance to regional elections, and obstacles to election supervision due to the COVID-19 outbreak," said Afif.

Meanwhile, South Manokwari is the district with the highest vulnerability in the political context. Then, Makassar City, Lamongan Regency, Sungai Penuh City, Mamuju Regency, Klaten Regency, Sukoharjo Regency, Aru Islands Regency and Agam Regency.

In total, 50 districts / cities are in high vulnerability in the political context. Then, there are 211 districts / cities in moderate vulnerability, and there are no areas that are low prone.

"The aspects measured in this context are the alignments of the election organizers, the recruitment of problematic election organizers, the non-neutrality of ASN, and misuse of the budget," said Afif.

On that basis, Bawaslu has a number of recommendations that can be used as a guide for all stakeholders in the implementation of the 2020 simultaneous regional elections in these 270 regions.

First, organizers, participants, supporters and voters must apply health protocols in the implementation of the factual verification and updating stages of individual candidates and voters.

Second, there must be coordination between the parties in the disclosure of information regarding the implementation of elections and developments in the COVID-19 pandemic conditions in each region.

Third, election organizers must ensure budget support for the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the implementation of the stages. Fourth, maintaining the independence of government officials from abuse of authority and budget for overcoming COVID-19. Fifth, applying the use of information technology in accordance with geographic conditions and constraints experienced by election administrators.