VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Government and the House of Representatives –DPR agreed to keep holding regional elections simultaneously, even in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. According to the plan, the election will be held on December 9, 2020 in 270 regions throughout Indonesia, covering 9 Provinces, 224 districts, and 37 cities.

Even though it is to be  held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, all Indonesian people, especially in the  regions to carry out the elections, are expected to make it successful. Acting Secretary General of Home Affairs Ministry, Muhammad Hudori said in Jakarta, Sunday (26/7) that the simultaneous Election 2020 is a national agenda. This national strategic program must be implemented successfully.

The simultaneous election in 2020 will continue to be held after being delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was originally to be carried out on September 23, but was postponed to December 9, 2020.

Meanwhile, the campaign will take place from September 26 to December 5, 2020.  Chairperson of the General Elections Commission, Arief Budiman stated in Surabaya, East Java Sunday (26/7) that the open campaign in the elections next must follow the health protocols. For example, every voting booth must be attended by a maximum of 40 percent of the capacity of the place or room. In addition, for direct  campaign activities, the campaigners must also have recommendations from the task force for  handling Covid-19.

To ensure mutual safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the implementation of the 2020 Regional Head Election also gets an additional budget from the government that will be used at each stage to provide personal protective equipment, vitamins and rapid tests for officials so as not to contract the Covid-19 virus while working.

The regional head elections this time is indeed different from previous ones. Because it is carried out under abnormal conditions when Indonesia, like other countries in the world, is still dealing  with  the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, in addition to being carried out in accordance with democratic principles, this year's Regional Head Election must also prioritize health protocols to ensure safety.

Hopefully, the 2020 simultaneous regional elections can be carried out safely, peacefully and successfully, and result in qualified regional heads.