Jakarta. Election organizers in the 2024 elections are pulling out all the tricks in their bags to enhance voter participation, including donning superhero costumes and creatively decorating polling stations (TPS).

In a festive spirit reminiscent of Halloween, numerous polling station officers donned costumes resembling Superman, Ultraman, and popular anime characters such as Naruto and Kenshin Himura from Samurai X. 

One location was adorned with cherry blossoms, while others showcased traditional Javanese wedding decorations and Valentine's Day themes, given that the election coincided with February 14. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, some Indonesians affectionately refer to it as "Pemiluv." Moreover, some stations adopted a horror theme, taking advantage of their locations in cemetery areas.

In Tuban Regency, East Java, the Chairman of the Subdistrict Election Committee (PPK), Ahmad Istihar, said that the village initiated a costume competition among election officers. As many as 14 officers enthusiastically participated in the competition, wearing various costumes, including a pantomime costume, to attract voters' attention and encourage active voting at their respective voting locations. Prizes were even prepared for voters who exercised their rights.

Meanwhile, election officers dressed as anime characters such as Ultraman, Naruto, and Samurai X at a polling station in Surabaya, East Java. Voters experienced a Japanese countryside atmosphere and were welcomed by staff wearing traditional Japanese kimonos.

"The selection of a Japanese-themed polling station is to capture the attention of residents. It is hoped that the unique polling station will increase voter participation,"  Muslim Bahari, the chairman of the election organizers for polling station 05 Manukan Lor in Surabaya, said on Wednesday.

In Sumedang, West Java, election officer Nanin Ita Putra, 52, encouraged potential voters to come to the polling station dressed as Superman. In addition, Nanin also assisted voters, including those with disabilities and the elderly.

One resident, Nining, expressed feeling entertained and helped by Superman's actions. "Yes, earlier Superman helped me, and I felt assisted and entertained," she said.

Meanwhile, the voting atmosphere in polling station 002, Bulotalangi Barat Village, Bone Bolango Regency in Gorontalo, was somewhat eerie. Residents cast their votes in the middle of graves located in the yard of a resident's home. Inside the station, there were ten family graves of long-deceased individuals.

Taking a similar horror theme, one polling station in Tambakrejo Village, Simokerto Subdistrict, Surabaya, East Java, was established within a public cemetery complex. The election officers wore horror-themed costumes such as shrouded ghosts, horned demons, and graveyard-dwelling spirits.

All polling stations in Tanjungsari Village, Boyolangu Subdistrict, Tulungagung, East Java, created thematic and unique setups. One particular TPS embraced a Valentine's Day theme on Fe. 14, with pink balloons, love-themed decorations, and the added incentive of a chocolate candy for voters after casting their ballots.

On Wednesday, more than 200 million Indonesians in more than 800,000 polling stations voted for their new leader. The election is billed as the world’s biggest single-day election.

Voter participation in the last three elections (2009, 2014, and 2019) has continuously increased. In 2019, voter participation reached 79 percent. The General Election Commission aims to increase voter participation in the 2024 elections compared to the previous elections. 
 

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