Indonesia’s general election, held on Valentine’s Day, garnered global attention as one of the largest democratic exercises worldwide, and a monumental display of democratic practice. The participation of the Indonesian diaspora, including those in Taiwan, underscored the significance of practicing democracy beyond national borders.
The Indonesian General Elections Commission (KPU) faced the daunting task of ensuring a fair, transparent and efficient election among the vast diaspora. Conducting overseas elections in Taiwan is fraught with many challenges, requiring meticulous preparations and personnel to uphold democratic integrity.
The diaspora in Taiwan, comprising about 270,000 people, presented a significant challenge. To address this, the KPU established the Overseas Voting Organizing Group to oversee the process.
Indonesians could select postal voting or direct voting, with about 170,000 registering to use the former. For direct voting, a network of 54 polling stations and six mobile ballot boxes were set up across Taiwan. Each station was staffed with dedicated officers and supervisors selected through a rigorous recruitment process. A requirement that electoral staff have no political party affiliation for five years guarantees impartiality and integrity.
The diversity of the diaspora — which includes migrant workers, students and professionals — necessitated tailored approaches to voter outreach and education. The KPU provided technical guidance and comprehensive training programs to equip electoral staff with the skills and knowledge essential for effectively executing their duties.
This year’s election faced formidable challenges, notably logistical hurdles coinciding with the Lunar New Year holiday in Taiwan and concerns regarding the use of mobile applications. These obstacles tested the resilience and credibility of the process, prompting scrutiny and calls for improvements.
Coordinating the movement of personnel and ballots amid holiday festivities strained logistical capabilities. Addressing unforeseen circumstances required meticulous planning and coordination.
Meanwhile, the technology used for data aggregation and transmission encountered technical glitches, leading to delays and discrepancies in reporting results. Most importantly, the security and reliability concerns of the application raised doubts about the credibility and impartiality of the electoral process, undermining public trust in the KPU.
The failure to effectively address logistical hurdles risks disenfranchising voters and undermining the legitimacy of election outcomes. Similarly, the use of technology, which was marred by instability and inefficiency, raises concerns about infrastructure reliability, transparency, accountability and its susceptibility to fraud.
Indonesia’s overseas elections in Taiwan exemplify the intricate interplay between democracy, governance and diaspora engagement. Despite inherent challenges, meticulous preparations and steadfast commitment to democratic principles ensured the success of the elections.
Through the dedication of personnel and robust infrastructure, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance. Continuous improvements in electoral practices will enhance the foundation of democracy, fostering greater participation and inclusivity. Despite encountering obstacles, the resilience and adaptability of the electoral process offers valuable lessons for holding elections. By prioritizing transparency, accountability and public trust, Indonesia can navigate those challenges and bolster the foundation of democracy at home and abroad.
Yenny Chandra is a doctoral candidate in the International Doctoral Program in Asia-Pacific Studies at National Chengchi University.
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