PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) together with the Bandung City General Election Commission (KPU) inaugurated 3,419 Voting Organizing Groups (KPPS) from Antapani and Arcamanik Districts at Sport Jabar, Bandung City, Thursday (25/1/2024).

At the same time, there were 51,968 KPPS officers throughout Bandung City who were appointed simultaneously in various locations. This was conveyed by the Acting Mayor of Bandung, Bambang Tirtoyuliono.

"The role of the KPPS is very strategic as the spearhead of the election. Their job is to prepare the TPS and the equipment inside, as well as maintain order in the TPS during counting and voting for voter sovereignty," he said.

Moreover, continued Bambang, in the next 19 days the entire community will hold a grand election to elect presidential and vice presidential pairs, members of the DPR-RI, DPD RI, Provincial DPRD and city district DPRD.

"In 2024, we have the task of ensuring that democracy runs smoothly and is conducive to safety in the city of Bandung. It is not only the responsibility of the KPU and Bawaslu, but also other components, including the community through this KPPS," he said.

According to Bambang, quality elections will be realized when KPPS carries out its duties transparently and impartially, and is responsible for implementing democratic values.

"Officials need to regulate their work rhythm so they don't get tired easily because the election series is very busy," he said.

Chairman of the Bandung City KPU, Wenti Frihadianti, said that from the beginning of KPPS registration, it was required to include the results of a health check to determine the condition of the KPPS.

"From the start, we carried out open registration. Apart from attaching a diploma, there was also a medical test so that we could find out the condition of the KPPS candidate," he said.

Wenti said that his party was also collaborating with the Health Service in providing supplements for KPPS. In fact, on the day of the election, the community health center will continue to operate in anticipation if there are KPPS who need medical treatment.

"The Puskesmas is open on the day of the day. So if anyone feels unwell, they can immediately go to the nearest puskesmas," he said.

He hopes that KPPS can become agents of positive change for Indonesia. As well as being an example for the community in political participation.

His party will also try to hold competitions for unique polling stations to add enthusiasm and excitement to the upcoming big elections.

"We will try to hold the most unique TPS competition. Apart from that, there are not too many damaged ballot papers in Bandung City, less than 1 percent. We have submitted them to the center and replacements will be carried out. Damaged papers will be destroyed together with Forkopimda," he said.

One of the KPPS TPS 14 Antapani Kidul officers, Yurika, admitted that he was interested in becoming an officer because he wanted to increase his experience.

"To gain experience. In 2019 I was a witness. Now I want to try becoming a KPPS member," he said.

He said that there were 2 TPS in his area. One TPS consists of 7 officers and additional guards.

To maintain stamina in future duties, Yurika admitted that she would maintain her sleep pattern and take vitamins regularly.

"Maintain your sleep pattern. Take vitamins. I hope that the 2024 elections will be successful. The selected candidates can become leaders who are responsible for making Indonesia even more advanced," he said.

Meanwhile, Meta, a 23 year old KPPS officer from Antapani, admitted that this was the first time he was involved in the election process directly.

"Just trying to get involved directly as an election official. Hopefully we can gain new experiences and relationships," he said.

He hopes that this year's election can determine whether Indonesia has a leader who is able to make Indonesia a more prosperous country. (Diskominfo Bandung City/UPI)