Recently, Indonesia mourned the loss of two polling station officers from Makassar, South Sulawesi. The two officers, identified as Wahyu and Taswin, passed away due to exhaustion and fatigue after working for long hours during the 2019 general election.
The two officers were part of the Polling Station Working Committee (KPPS) and had been working tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the election process in their respective polling stations. They had been on duty since early in the morning, assisting voters, counting ballots, and managing the overall election process.
However, the grueling work conditions, coupled with the intense heat and long hours, took a toll on the two officers, ultimately resulting in their untimely deaths. Their dedication and commitment to their duties during the election were evident, but sadly, their sacrifices cost them their lives.
The passing of Wahyu and Taswin has sparked outrage and sorrow across the nation, prompting discussions on the working conditions and welfare of polling station officers during elections. Many have raised concerns about the lack of proper support and protection for these officers, who play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the democratic process in Indonesia.
The incident has also shed light on the need for better training, resources, and support for KPPS members, as well as the importance of implementing measures to ensure their health and well-being while on duty. The government and election authorities have been urged to take immediate action to address these issues and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The sacrifices of Wahyu and Taswin serve as a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility and risks that polling station officers face during elections. Their dedication and commitment to their duties should be honored and remembered, and their deaths should prompt meaningful changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all KPPS members in Indonesia.
As the nation mourns the loss of these two dedicated officers, there is a collective call for action to prevent such tragedies from happening again. It is imperative for the authorities to address the concerns and implement measures to support and protect polling station officers, who are the unsung heroes of the electoral process. Wahyu and Taswin’s legacy should inspire positive changes in the way KPPS members are treated and supported, ensuring that they can carry out their duties without risking their lives.
