Certainly, as we often say, we, as a service-provider institution, have to attend to both the voters and the election participants.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The General Elections Commission (KPU) is expecting the Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia (Matakin) to encourage people to monitor the 2024 elections so they run according to the principles of democracy and integrity.

Chairperson of the KPU Hasyim Asy’ari made the statement after a meeting with a number of religious leaders of Matakin at Kong Miao Temple, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), here on Friday.

The meeting was part of the KPU's efforts to establish friendly relations with various parties, including state institutions and ministries, he added.

In addition to Matakin, KPU also met with representatives from other religious social organizations, such as the Muhammadiyah and the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

"We are very grateful for this (meeting) opportunity (with Matakin). Certainly, as we often say, we, as a service-provider institution, have to attend to both the voters and the election participants," the KPU chairperson remarked.

He said that the meeting was also part of KPU's attempts to ensure the smooth implementation of the General Elections (Pemilu) and Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in 2024, as the commission cannot work alone to ensure a safe and peaceful election.

"We also realize that the KPU cannot work alone, thus we must work together and collaborate with various parties, including Matakin," he added.

Asy'ari said he expected all KPU officers in the provinces, districts, and cities to also conduct the same efforts as the ones made by the central KPU, namely working together, building connections, and collaborating with various parties, including mass organizations in their respective regions.

General chairperson of the Matakin's Spiritual Council, Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo, lauded the meetings held by the KPU, saying they show that the commission truly wants to strive optimally in carrying out the 2024 elections.

"The task that the KPU has to do is something which is very important for this country -- not only must the election run smoothly, but it also must be able to produce the best people's representatives and national leaders," he added.

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Translator: Tri Ameliya, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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