DIY Police Affirms Ban On Noisy Exhausts During Open Campaigns

Archives - Head of Yogyakarta Regional Police Inspector General Suwondo Nainggolan. (ANTARA/Luqman Hakim)

YOGYAKARTA - Yogyakarta Special Region Police Chief Inspector General Suwondo Nainggolan emphasized that the ban on the use of exhaust vehicles was not in accordance with standards or noise (brong) during the open campaign aka general meetings in the 2024 General Election in all regions in the province.

At the Mandala Krida Stadium yard, Yogyakarta City, Suwondo said the use of Brong exhausts has the potential to cause a commotion during an open campaign.

"Because (the sound of the Brong exhaust) can cause temporary emotions," said Suwondo as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 17.

According to him, the Yogyakarta Regional Police have gathered laskar or sympathizers, together with representatives of the General Elections Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), and political parties to prevent various potential frictions, including declaring a joint movement to drive without a Brong exhaust.

"It's agreed, all of us, friends can feel it, yesterday several movements in Yogyakarta and outside Yogyakarta were all without a blombongan exhaust," he explained.

In addition to prohibiting the use of exhaust Brong vehicles, continued Suwondo, the police also oversee every zone or route that will be passed by the participants of the 2024 general election meeting campaign.

According to him, the police will provide a large escort for campaign participants.

"Front and side escorts. That's important," said Suwondo.

Meanwhile, Commander of Korem (Danrem) 072/Pamungkas Brigadier General Zainul Bahar added that his staff would help with security, especially preventing mass friction, by mapping out areas prone to conflict in Yogyakarta.

Zainul ensured that the TNI ranks were ready to support the security of the Police in the field by prioritizing a humanist attitude.

"We are also preparing things that may happen, but while still prioritizing humanism, whatever the story is, it's our society," said Zainul.

DIY KPU member Sri Surani said that his party is still inventorying the location of the open campaign for the 2024 General Election, which will take place from January 21 to February 10.

The DIY KPU is also still waiting for an open campaign schedule from the KPU as a reference schedule at the provincial, district and city levels.

"If general meetings usually use a lot of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, then of course they must be at the center making schedules in the regions, then the provinces determine in districts and cities so that there are no collisions," said Sri Surani, who is also the coordinator of the Socialization, Voter Education, Community Participation, and DIY KPU HR.