Bingkai Karya – In a significant step towards fostering democracy and civic engagement, the Indonesian community in Turkey has come together to declare their commitment to a peaceful and transparent 2024 General Election. The declaration, initiated by the Indonesian Overseas Election Committee in Ankara and Istanbul, saw active participation from election stakeholders and representatives of the Indonesian community in Turkey.
The event, held at Liva Restaurant in Ankara, was attended by key figures including the Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Achmad Rizal Purnama, and the Indonesian Consul General in Istanbul, Darianto Harsono. Ambassador Rizal emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of honest, accountable, and transparent elections to ensure the success of a peaceful election. Consul General Darianto highlighted the need for consolidation within the Indonesian community in Turkey, aiming to avoid divisions among the 6,161 eligible voters.
The Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Turkey, as the largest community component, expressed its commitment to a neutral stance in the upcoming elections. Mindy Syailah, a representative of PPI Turkey, emphasized the hope for well-executed and smooth elections in 2024.
The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul called for support from all parties to organize the elections with a high voter turnout, adhering to the principles of direct, public, free, confidential, honest, and fair elections (LUBER).
The community’s declaration outlines a commitment to conduct a fair election with a focus on the principles of LUBER. This includes ensuring a safe, orderly, peaceful, and integrity-filled election, free from hoaxes and the politicization of ethnicity, religion, race, and other divisive factors. The declaration also emphasizes the importance of participating in the elections within the bounds of applicable laws and regulations.
Scheduled for February 11, 2024, the elections will take place at three polling stations in Ankara, Istanbul, and Sakarya. Additionally, a Mobile Ballot Box (KSK) will be available in four cities, representing pockets of the Indonesian community in Turkey. The community itself comprises diverse groups, including students from various educational levels, married couples with Turkish citizens, spa therapists, and expatriates.
With this declaration, the Indonesian community in Turkey sets a positive example of civic responsibility, unity, and commitment to democratic values, contributing to the global effort to ensure fair and transparent elections. The collaborative effort of various stakeholders demonstrates the shared dedication to the democratic process and the well-being of the Indonesian diaspora in Turkey.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
