Election day in Indonesia, June 7, 1999, was a momentous occasion not only for the country but also for me as a volunteer observer. As a member of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), I was part of a team that was deeply involved in monitoring the election process, ensuring its integrity, and observing how the Indonesian people participated in this historic event. Having witnessed numerous elections in the Philippines, I expected the day to be filled with challenges, and while there were certainly obstacles, it was also a testament to the resilience of democracy.
The day began early. Our team had been deployed to various locations across East Java, and I found myself in Jember, a small city a few hours away from Surabaya, the capital of the province. Our task was clear: monitor the polling stations, verify that the procedures were followed correctly, and report any irregularities or problems we observed. Despite the relatively calm atmosphere, there was an underlying sense of anticipation, as the election would determine not only the next leaders of Indonesia but also the future direction of the country.
The early morning was peaceful, and the electoral process began promptly at seven in the morning, as scheduled. The fact that everything started exactly on time stood in stark contrast to the often delayed openings of polling stations in the Philippines. The election officials were well-prepared and organized, and there was no sign of disorganization or confusion. The polling stations were set up efficiently, with separate areas for voters to cast their ballots, and clear signs indicating where to go and how to proceed.
One of the most striking aspects of the Indonesian election was the sense of discipline and respect that permeated the day. Voters queued up in an orderly fashion outside the polling stations, waiting their turn to cast their ballots. The atmosphere was calm and respectful, with no signs of impatience or tension. This was a stark contrast to the sometimes chaotic and tense scenes that unfold in the Philippines during elections, where long lines, overcrowded polling stations, and occasional violence can mar the process.
I was particularly impressed by the security measures in place. While there were military personnel stationed at various points, they remained inside their barracks during voting, and the role of maintaining order was left to the police. The police presence was unobtrusive yet visible, ensuring that voters felt safe without being intimidating. It was clear that the authorities were committed to ensuring that the election process remained peaceful, and their efforts paid off as the day proceeded without any major incidents.
Another aspect of the Indonesian election process that stood out was the smooth handling of the voting procedure. Voters were allowed to cast their ballots one at a time, and the process was done efficiently to avoid long waits. There were strict protocols in place to ensure that only registered voters could vote, and each person’s name was checked against the electoral roll before they were allowed inside the polling stations. Once inside, voters had to confirm their identity and then cast their vote using a unique ballot system. The use of indelible ink to mark the voters’ fingers was a measure to ensure that no one could vote more than once, a common challenge in many elections around the world.
The indelible ink used in Indonesia was a measure that was introduced to prevent voter fraud, and it was something that I, as a Filipino observer, was particularly familiar with. The Philippines had used indelible ink in its elections for many years, and it was encouraging to see that Indonesia had adopted this system as well. The ink was applied to the finger of each voter after they cast their ballot, a simple but effective safeguard against double voting.
While the voting process was smooth, there were some challenges that we observed. For one, there were occasional glitches with the voting machines in certain areas. In some polling stations, the ballot boxes were temporarily full, causing a slight delay in the voting process. However, these issues were addressed promptly by the election officials, who acted quickly to resolve the problems and ensure that voters were able to cast their ballots without undue delay. These moments of disruption were minor in the grand scheme of things, but they highlighted the importance of preparedness and flexibility in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.
As the day wore on, the excitement and anticipation in the air grew. The sense of unity among the Indonesian people was palpable. It was clear that this election represented much more than just a political contest—it was a chance for the Indonesian people to prove that they had overcome decades of dictatorship and were now ready to embrace democracy. There was a shared understanding that this election would set the tone for the future of the country, and the stakes were high.
The election day experience in Indonesia was a reminder of the resilience of democracy, even in the face of challenges. The Indonesian people, despite their relatively recent transition to democracy, showed a remarkable level of commitment to the electoral process. From the disciplined behavior of the voters to the efficient handling of the election process by the officials, it was clear that the country was well on its way to building a robust democratic system.
For me, as an observer, it was a day of reflection. I couldn’t help but compare the Indonesian election process to that of the Philippines, where election day is often marred by delays, logistical problems, and, in some cases, violence. The Indonesian experience showed that a country can hold free and fair elections without the chaos that often accompanies elections in our own country. It was a reminder that elections should not just be about voting; they should be about creating a peaceful, orderly, and transparent process that reflects the will of the people.
As the day drew to a close and the polls began to close, there was a collective sense of relief and pride. The Indonesian people had participated in a democratic process that was, by all accounts, a resounding success. The election may have been a new experience for many Indonesians, but it was a testament to the country’s commitment to democracy and its determination to build a future rooted in freedom and fairness.
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