Jakarta. B-Universe Media Holdings, of which the Jakarta Globe is part of, has launched a new program dedicated to the upcoming regional elections.

On Nov. 27, Indonesians across the archipelago will vote for their sub-national government heads, including governors, regents, and mayors. B-Universe’s new program -- titled “Bersatu Kawal Pilkada” (‘Safeguarding the Regional Elections Together’) -- seeks to help the public make their decisions, while also ensuring a peaceful election.

According to B-Universe’s executive chairman Enggartiasto Lukita, the 2024 regional elections become a huge celebration for democracy and mark a major milestone for Indonesia. The press has the responsibility to make sure that the elections go uninterrupted without any social unrest. B-Universe previously had a similar program for the general elections in February.

“B-Universe has a responsibility to safeguard all this,” Enggartiasto said on Monday.

The former trade minister said he hoped that a conducive election would call for all parties and candidates to be mature. He added: “There is nothing wrong with having different choices or opinions in our democratic climate. But we must not let those differences cause gaps and even lead to tension, which will not benefit our country’s progress and the existing efforts to make Indonesia reach a golden era by 2045.”

The “Bersatu Kawal Pilkada” program earned praise from the General Election Commission (KPU).

“We appreciate what B-Universe, particularly [its news network] BTV, is doing in making this ‘Bersatu Kawal Pilkada’ program. Hopefully, the programs that you will air will enlighten the voters,” KPU’s commissioner Idham Kholik, while adding that well-informed voters were crucial to creating a good democracy.

“We are putting huge hopes on the program to improve Indonesia’s local democracy,” Idham said.

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