Staff to the West Papua Governor, Niko Untung Tike, conveyed the invitation during a meeting with the Tabi community here on Monday.
Tike explained that community organizations are partners of the local government in maintaining public security and order to support the safe, peaceful, and smooth implementation of Pilkada.
Hence, he expected community groups to educate their members on ways to avoid getting involved in money politics, which can negatively impact democracy.
"Let us educate the people by using our rights to vote responsibly, and let us not intimidate each other," he remarked.
According to Tike, community groups must serve as a platform that unifies people so that differences in choices during the election will not cause social conflicts, which can slow down regional development.
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He explained that the regional government continues to step up synergy and collaboration with customary and religious leaders, as well as public figures in the region, to prevent cases of intolerance ahead of the regional election.
"I appreciate the Tabi community that has carried out efforts to strengthen friendship with other tribal groups," he remarked.
Furthermore, Tike expressed hope that the meeting with the Tabi community would result in innovative programs relevant to the West Papua regional government's program, including at the provincial and district levels.
He explained that the programs should prioritize the empowerment of communities at the grassroots level, which can contribute to regional development in the future.
"Identify issues and strategic needs that are relevant to the local government programs," he stated.
The Manokwari district government, the Arfak Tribe chief, and the West Papua Regional Police attended the meeting with the Tabi community.
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Translator: Fransiskus W, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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