PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin officially launched the 2024 Election for Governor and Deputy Governor of West Java, at Sasana Budaya Ganesha Bandung, Monday (27/5/2024) evening.

Bey Machmudin interprets the election of Governor/Deputy Governor as not just a change of leadership, but a means of strengthening commitment to democracy, transparency and community participation.

"General elections are a form of popular sovereignty in which every citizen has the right to choose a leader who brings positive change and progress," said Bey Machmudin.

As for facing the election of Governor/Deputy Governor, continued Bey, security, order and a conducive situation must be prioritized. Therefore, Bey invited the public, election organizers, TNI/Polri, and BIN to maintain the situation and avoid provocation, violence and fraud.

In line with that, ASN neutrality is also important. According to Bey, government officials must be professional, fair and impartial. People should also use their right to vote wisely.

"Active participation is very important to determine the future of West Java," said Bey.

"I invite all parties involved, including the KPU, Bawaslu and the wider community, to jointly supervise the election so that it is transparent and accountable," said Bey.

Not to forget, Bey also invited all political elites who would be candidates for Governor/Deputy Governor, along with their success teams and sympathizers, to compete healthily, uphold ethics and norms in campaigning and provide good political education to the public.

"Let people choose based on the programs and vision and mission offered, not because of incitement or fake news," said Bey.

Bey reminded a little that ahead of the 2024 presidential and legislative elections in February, West Java had declared West Java Neutral and Calm, or the slogan 'Jabar Anteng' as a symbol of peaceful elections that must be continued.

The launch of the 2024 West Java gubernatorial election marks an important first step in determining the next leader.

With the theme '2024 West Java Gubernatorial Election as an Initiation of Democratic Culture,' it is hoped that the political will will revive culture as an important part of democratic values.

"The culture of mutual care, compassion and care is in accordance with democratic values that respect other people's rights," said Bey.

Member of the Indonesian KPU, Idham Holik, revealed that West Java, as the province with the largest voter population, has its own challenges.

However, with the success of the presidential election in West Java, Idhan is optimistic that the gubernatorial election will also run smoothly. "I have no doubts about the success of holding provincial and city/district regional elections, I am very confident, because West Java has very strong social capital," said Idham.

Moreover, West Java has the slogan 'Jabar Anteng,' of course representing social intelligence, as well as representing spiritual intelligence.

"West Java has the Maung symbol, 'Superior Man,' which is a strength for all of us as West Java citizens to be able to improve the quality of electoral democracy," he said.

Presidential Election Participation Rates Increase

Meanwhile, Chairman of the West Java KPU, Ummi Wahyuni, said that the theme of the 2024 West Java Regional Election is 'West Java Gubernatorial Election as an Initiation of Democratic Culture in West Java'.

Through this theme, the KPU hopes that the culture of democracy in West Java with its silih silih asah, silih silih, silih asuh can develop better.

In other words, there is a sense of mutual respect for differences, a growing sense of mutual affection, thus bringing the West Java Regional Election to a joyful atmosphere. This is also in accordance with the tagline for the 2024 West Java Regional Election, namely '2024 West Java Regional Election Gemilang,' or the Joy of Voting Directly.

"There are 183 days left before the regional elections in West Java, the first national simultaneous regional elections in West Java. We will hold gubernatorial/deputy governor elections, elections for regents/deputy regents and mayors/deputy mayors in 27 regencies/cities in West Java," said Ummi.

The West Java KPU, continued Ummi, manages the largest number of Permanent Voter Lists (DPT). Without the synergy of all parties, the 2024 General Election will not be possible.

Ummi revealed that the 2024 election participation rate increased compared to 2019. The participation rate in 2024 was 82.3, previously 79.8 percent in 2019.

"Our deepest thanks to all parties, we also ask for synergy and support in the implementation of the 2024 regional elections," said Ummi.

Mascots and Jingle

At the same event, the mascot and jingle for the 2024 West Java Governor and Deputy Governor Election were also launched.

The mascots for the 2024 West Java Governor/Deputy Governor election are 'Sili' and 'Wangi', which when combined becomes the word 'Siliwangi,' with the character of a hot tiger, native to West Java.

"The meaning shows the valor, strength and hospitality of the people of West Java," said Ummi.

This mascot is the result of a competition previously held by the West Java KPU. The Sili and Wangi mascots were the idea of Eman Sulaeman, who was chosen by the KPU as the winner of the mascot competition.

Meanwhile, the jingle entitled 'Voices for West Java' was chosen, which was the work of Pradea Aldi as the winner of the competition.