Head of Indonesian Literature Study Program FIB UNDIP Invites Election Monitoring by Utilizing Arts and Culture Spaces

The Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) as the institution mandated to supervise the election process certainly requires support from many parties. As a follow-up, the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) of Blora district initiated outreach activities regarding participatory supervision of the 2024 Election to invite all community groups to participate and be involved in monitoring every stage of the Election. This activity took place on Thursday, September 14 2023 at De Garden Caffe, Blora. Head of the Indonesian Literature study program, Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, M.Hum., was present as one of the speakers who spoke about the importance of utilizing arts and cultural spaces in attracting community participation. This activity was attended by several OKP, student organizations and community organizations. Also present was Dr. Ulfa, FIB UNDIP alumnus who is the General Chair of Fatayat NU Blora Regency.
Muhammad Mustain from the Prevention, Community Participation and Public Relations Division of Bawaslu Blora stated that the limited personnel of Bawaslu should not be an obstacle in realizing honest and fair elections, therefore contributions from various parties are very necessary to ensure that the elections are held as expected. This activity is also aimed at anticipating election violations such as hoaxes, SARA, politicization of SARA and cyber bullying.
From a cultural perspective, Dr.Sukarjo Waluyo, M.Hum stated that the arts that have developed in the Blora community can be used as an alternative means to promote participatory supervision of the 2024 Election.
“In Blora, based on the reality, there is a lot of art. There is barong, there are also other events, Samin and so on. I think these arts and cultural events are all spaces that can be utilized, which is important. Because “to ensure that election supervision in Blora is good. The quality of democracy in Blora is also good,” said Sukarjo Waluyo.
The implementation of elections as a standard prerequisite for democracy is very dependent on public participation. Therefore, all existing elements in society should be utilized to maximize and strengthen people’s political participation. The values contained in art are nothing but related to efforts to maintain harmony in society, so it is fitting that art also conveys messages that have a practical impact on people’s sovereignty.
(Martha)