The commotion and tension related to the simultaneous elections on April 17, 2019, are expected to die down. There are still many nation-building agendas that must be dealt with.
For whatever reason, the nation\'s energy and concentration should not be solely on election matters, even though they are very important and strategic. It would be wrong to allow the energy-consuming political tension to drag on, preventing the nation from moving forward, while neighboring nations eagerly rush to push for progress in the fields of economics, science and technology.
Efforts to achieve progress need toughness, mutual cooperation and the solidity of all circles. Supporters of candidate pairs number 01 and 02 should nurture unity in encouraging national progress in the midst of intense global competition. Of course, the initiative must come from the elite to lessen the commotion and tension, end hate speech, stop finger pointing and encourage resolution to disputes in accordance with the law.
The existence and future of the nation will be at stake if chaos erupts as a result of the intense battle of interests among the elite. It is ironic that the commotion originated with the elite, which according to Plato should speak and behave more wisely, practice patience, intelligence, play exemplary roles and be courteous. The commotion among the elite has gotten out of hand because of the use of social media.
Despite all its amazing positive contributions, the irresponsible use of social media has disrupted social and political conditions in a number of countries. Through social media and conventional media, the elite have spread commotion and tension. On the contrary, the masses tend to be calm, unlike Plato\'s assumption that they are a source of the commotion and disturbance and can be impetuous and irrational.
Various groups have voiced appreciation for the behavior of people who voted in an orderly and cheerful manner in the April 17 election. Similar appreciation has been voiced for security personnel, the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI), which have provided guarantees of security. Apart from any possible shortcomings, the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) seem to striving to carry out their calls of duty.
Of course there is no need to cover up any shortcomings found in the implementation of the 2019 election. Allegations of fraud, for example, must be investigated in accordance with the law in an effort to seek the truth. No less important is the realization that an election is not a war, but a contest. War is born of hostility and is aimed at destruction. On the contrary, a contest is a fun fight because winning and losing can always be contested again in the next election.