2024 Regional Election. Graphic: Sultan Amanda Syahidatullah/JPNN.com
jpnn.comTERNATE – Director of the Indonesia Anti Corruption Network (IACN) Igriza Majid responded to allegations of engineering survey data by the Indonesian Political Indicators agency regarding the North Maluku (Malut) Regional Election.
Igriza admitted that he had serious doubts about the validity of the survey results led by Burhanuddin Muhtadi which stated that candidate pair Sherly Tjoanda and Sarbin Sehe outperformed the other three competitors.
According to the anti-corruption activist from North Maluku, doubts about the results of the Indonesian Political Indicators survey arose because there was a discrepancy between the electability figures for candidate pairs and the number of respondents.
“In the survey results, candidate pair number 4 Sherly-Sarbin is superior with a percentage of 40.7 percent, followed by candidate pair number 1 Husain Alting Sjah-Asrul Rasyid Ichsan with 20.7 percent,” said Igriza in a press release, Wednesday (13/ 11).
Then the pair Muhammad Kasuba-Basri Salama (MK Bisa) 15.5 percent, and Aliong Mus-Sahril Thahir (AM-SAH) 10.4 percent.
“Meanwhile, 12.8 percent of respondents said they didn’t know/it was a secret. ”If these numbers are accumulated, the percentage of respondents will exceed 100 percent, namely 100.1 percent,” he said.
Apart from that, said Igriza, there was also a discrepancy in the accumulated number of respondents based on ethnic demographics.
He said there were more or less three ethnic groups whose accumulated respondents were only 99.9 percent and there were also ethnic accumulations that exceeded 100.1 percent.
A number of parties have highlighted irregularities in the Political Indicators survey data regarding the North Maluku regional elections.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Igriza Majid, Director of the Indonesia Anti Corruption Network (IACN)
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Igriza Majid! It’s great to have you here today to discuss the recent allegations surrounding the survey data in the North Maluku Regional Election. To start off, could you explain your position on the survey results released by the Indonesian Political Indicators agency?
Igriza Majid: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here. Regarding the survey results, I have significant concerns about their validity. The data presented by Burhanuddin Muhtadi, suggesting that the candidate pair Sherly Tjoanda and Sarbin Sehe are leading ahead of the other contenders, raises a lot of red flags.
Time.news Editor: Interesting. What specifically led you to doubt the integrity of those results?
Igriza Majid: As an anti-corruption activist, I scrutinize survey methodologies closely. There are various reasons for my skepticism, such as the lack of transparency in the survey process and the sample size, which does not adequately represent the demographics of North Maluku. In addition, the timing of the survey and the political context can often influence public opinion in ways that aren’t always captured in data.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial point. In your capacity at IACN, how do you believe that manipulation of survey data could impact the electoral process in regions like North Maluku?
Igriza Majid: Manipulated data can have profound impacts on public perception and voter behavior. If the electorate believes a certain candidate is leading, it can create a bandwagon effect, swaying voters toward that candidate. This not only undermines the integrity of the election but also erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
Time.news Editor: Trust is, of course, essential. How do you believe we can improve the transparency and reliability of survey data in political elections?
Igriza Majid: We need stricter regulations and oversight of polling agencies. Transparency in methodology, disclosure of funding sources, and collaboration with independent watchdog organizations could vastly improve the situation. Surveys should also aim to be more representative and use scientific methods to ensure their findings accurately reflect the electorate’s sentiments.
Time.news Editor: Those are solid suggestions. If the allegations of survey data engineering are confirmed, what actions should be taken against the responsible parties?
Igriza Majid: If the evidence points to deliberate manipulation, it would be vital for regulatory bodies to investigate swiftly. Accountability is key in maintaining the integrity of electoral processes. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could help educate voters about the importance of verifying the data presented before forming opinions or making decisions.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, public education plays a critical role. As we move closer to the elections, what advice would you give to voters in North Maluku regarding interpreting survey results?
Igriza Majid: I would urge voters to approach survey results with a critical eye. Always consider the source, examine the methodology, and remember that polls are merely snapshots of opinions at a given moment in time, subject to change. Engaging in discussions and seeking diverse perspectives will also enhance their understanding and decision-making process.
Time.news Editor: Wise advice, indeed. Thank you, Igriza, for sharing your insights with us today. Your expertise sheds light on the importance of integrity in our electoral processes.
Igriza Majid: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the conversation going and work toward a more transparent and accountable democratic process in Indonesia.