KPU, KPI, Bawaslu Form Taskforce to Watch Political Campaigns
11 November 2016 16:26 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The General Election Commission (KPU), the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), and the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) formed a task force to monitor broadcasting and advertisement of political campaigns during the regional heads elections.
Bawaslu chairman Muhammad said that broadcasting companies are important elements in the upcoming regional elections.
“Media can cause commotions and conflicts. If it’s not well-managed, peace can turn into conflicts,” Muhammad said in Jakarta on Friday, November 11, 2016.
He viewed that media is a strategic pillar of democracy. However, Muhammad clarified that the task force would be assigned to spy on candidates.
KPU chairman Juri Ardiantoro viewed that the task force would serve as a strategic function. Media and broadcasting companies, he added, must provide political education and information on regional head candidates for public.
“We don’t want media to become the cause of conflicts and disunity,” he said.
According to Juri, a political campaign is frequently viewed as a momentum for political parties and regional head candidates to convey their programs.
“Whereas, a political campaign is an opportunity for people to have their rights,” Juri went on.
KPI chairman Yuliandre Darwis said that the task force will aim at clearing the direction of supervision and taking actions against violations related to the political campaign on media. He called on candidates to uphold the fair play principle during the campaign period.
“Substantially, we will watch the election, but we won’t restrict the democracy,” he said.
ARKHELAUS W.