The issue of illegal political campaign practices in Indonesia has once again come to the forefront, as the Regional Election Supervisory Committee (Bawaslu) in Makassar has criticized the General Election Commission (KPU) for its failure to crackdown on illegal campaign activities through mobile applications (APKs).
Soal Penertiban APK, which translates to “the issue of regulating APKs,” has been a hot topic in the lead up to the 2024 regional elections in Indonesia. APKs are mobile applications that have been increasingly utilized by political parties and candidates for their campaign activities, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited traditional campaigning methods.
Bawaslu Makassar has expressed concerns over the proliferation of illegal APKs that are being used to disseminate political content and campaign messages in violation of electoral laws and regulations. The committee has revealed that numerous APKs have been employed to spread slanderous or misleading information about opposing candidates, as well as to carry out illegal fundraising activities.
The KPU, as the election management body in Indonesia, has been criticized by Bawaslu Makassar for its alleged inaction in addressing the issue of illegal APKs. The KPU is responsible for regulating campaign activities and ensuring that they adhere to electoral laws, including those pertaining to the use of digital media platforms.
In response to the criticism from Bawaslu Makassar, the KPU has defended its handling of the Soal Penertiban APK issue, claiming that it has been proactive in monitoring and regulating campaign activities on digital platforms. The KPU has emphasized the need for cooperation between the election management body and law enforcement agencies to effectively address illegal campaign practices through APKs.
The ongoing debate surrounding Soal Penertiban APK reflects the broader challenges faced by Indonesia in regulating digital campaign activities and ensuring the integrity of its electoral processes. As the country continues to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, political parties and candidates are increasingly turning to online platforms to engage with voters and promote their agendas.
Efforts to address the Soal Penertiban APK issue will be crucial in safeguarding the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in Indonesia. Both the KPU and Bawaslu have a duty to work together to enforce electoral regulations and hold those who engage in illegal campaign practices through APKs accountable for their actions.
In the lead up to the 2024 regional elections, it is imperative that the Indonesian authorities take decisive measures to curb the misuse of digital platforms for political campaigning. By doing so, they can uphold the principles of fair competition and ensure that voters are well-informed about the choices available to them.
