West Java DPMD Says Bekasi Regency to Adopt Digital Village Head Elections This Year
The West Java Provincial Community and Village Empowerment Office (DPMD) has announced that Bekasi Regency will begin implementing digital village head elections (Pilkades) this year as part of efforts to modernise village governance. Dimas Nainggolan, a Junior Community Empowerment Mobiliser at the West Java DPMD, stated during a socialisation event in Sukatani District on Friday that the move aligns with central government directives to utilise digital technology, including in political contests at the village level.
He noted that digital Pilkades is not a new concept, as a similar scheme was previously applied in West Java during the 2025 village elections. ‘In Indramayu and Karawang regencies, we have already conducted digital Pilkades last year. This year, Bekasi Regency will implement it across 154 villages with one polling station per village,’ he said.
Dimas explained that the digital scheme offers several advantages over the conventional system, including budget efficiency. Another key benefit is the speed of vote counting; whereas manual recapitulation could previously extend into the night, the digital system allows results to be compiled within five to ten minutes. ‘The official report and vote count results can be prepared immediately after recapitulation is complete, making it more effective and efficient,’ he added.
He stressed that the readiness of the organising committee and the accuracy of voter data are crucial, as evaluations from other regions have shown these two aspects to be the main factors for successful implementation. ‘The committee must have a strong understanding of the digital system to be able to educate the public. We also urge that data updates be carried out thoroughly so that the final voter list is truly valid and accurate,’ he said.
Sukatani District Head Agus Dahlan responded positively to the socialisation, emphasising its importance in providing understanding to all stakeholders ahead of the first digital Pilkades in Bekasi Regency. ‘Today, together with the governments of Sukakarya, Cabangbungin and Muaragembong districts, we are participating in the digital Pilkades socialisation by the West Java and Bekasi Regency DPMD. We very much welcome this activity,’ he said. Unlike the manual system that uses paper ballots, the digital Pilkades will utilise electronic devices connected to an integrated data system. ‘We also urge the public to begin adapting to technological developments. Let us make the 2026 Simultaneous Pilkades a success; even if we have different choices, we remain one as a safe, peaceful and harmonious community of Bekasi Regency,’ he added.