Bawaslu: Technology Can Strengthen Democracy If Used Ethically

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) member Puadi asserted that technological advancements will strengthen democracy if used ethically, monitored transparently, and supported by active public participation.

Puadi assessed that the development of technology has transformed the democratic landscape, shifting from a dominance of physical media to information technology. This shift has also begun moving campaign patterns, information dissemination, and election monitoring into cyberspace.

“The 2029 election will not only be determined by who comes to the polling stations, but also by who is capable of keeping the digital space healthy and able to distinguish correct information from misleading information,” he said during the opening of the Bawaslu Campus Connect event at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Jakarta State University.

Therefore, he believes election monitoring can no longer rely solely on conventional methods but must transform in line with technological developments to respond to various challenges in cyberspace. Puadi stressed that digital oversight is not solely the responsibility of Bawaslu but requires collaboration from all elements of society, including the academic community and the younger generation, particularly students.

“Digital oversight is not just Bawaslu’s responsibility, but our shared responsibility. There is room for collaboration here,” he stated. He expressed hope that the Bawaslu Campus Connect programme would produce a young generation that is tech-savvy, has integrity, and cares about democracy.