Bawaslu NTT Partners with PWI to Strengthen 2029 Election Oversight

The Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province is partnering with the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) NTT to bolster election oversight and public information efforts leading up to the 2029 elections. This collaboration is being initiated well in advance, utilizing the period outside of active election stages.

Magdalena Yuanita Wake, a member of Bawaslu NTT overseeing legal affairs and dispute resolution, stated that input from PWI will be vital for strengthening the 2024 election supervision system. She explained that election stages are scheduled to begin in 2027, prompting Bawaslu to foster early communication and partnerships with various community elements, including professional journalist organizations.

Melpi Minalria Marpaung, who heads Bawaslu NTT's division for handling violations, data, and information, expressed hope that mass media will continue to deliver educational and balanced reporting. She emphasized media's role not only in disseminating information but also as an effective platform for political education, cultivating public awareness about the importance of honest, fair, and democratic elections.

Ignasius Jani, Head of the Bawaslu NTT Secretariat, highlighted the strategic role of the press in ensuring transparency and accountability in election processes. He views the press as an essential partner for Bawaslu in overseeing democratic processes and aims to strengthen this partnership with PWI for the upcoming 2029 elections.

Hilarius F. Jahang, Chairman of PWI NTT, welcomed Bawaslu's initiative to engage with journalist organizations as a means to reinforce regional democracy. He stressed that journalist professionalism is key to supporting transparent and integrity-driven elections. Jahang also urged government institutions to provide information access to journalists who have passed the Competency Test for Journalists (UKW), emphasizing that certification upholds professionalism and reporting quality.