PapuaAround.com – The regional elections (Pilkada) in Papua have been shaken by the deaths of two deputy governor candidates, Petrus Safan and Ausilius You passed within a month. Their passing occurred amid the ongoing campaign process, sparking deep grief and raising questions about the potential impact on the election.
The first case occurred on Saturday, September 28, when Papua Selatan Deputy Governor Candidate No. 1, Petrus Safan, passed away. Petrus took his last breath at the Merauke General Hospital (RSUD) after undergoing treatment for two days in the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU). Before being transferred to RSUD Merauke, Petrus had been treated at the Bunda Pengharapan Hospital (RSBP) in Merauke.
According to reports, Petrus Safan suffered from diabetes complications that worsened his condition. The medical team made every effort to stabilize the deputy governor candidate, but fate had other plans. “We’ve lost one of the finest sons of Papua Selatan. He was a dedicated figure committed to the region’s development,” said a local official who wished to remain anonymous.
Shortly after, more sad news struck Papua. On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at around 7:40 PM local time, Papua Tengah Deputy Governor Candidate Ausilius You was reported to have passed away at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta. Ausilius was running as the deputy governor alongside John Wempi Wetipo in the Papua Tengah election. His death was confirmed by the acting Governor of Papua Tengah, Ribka Haluk.
In her statement, Ribka Haluk expressed deep condolences over Ausilius’s passing. He had previously served as Assistant I for Government and People’s Welfare in the Papua Tengah Provincial Secretariat. “I deeply mourn the loss of Mr. Ausilius You. He was a highly dedicated civil servant, and his contributions to Papua Tengah’s development will always be remembered,” Ribka said in an official release received by the media early Thursday morning, October 17.
The passing of these two deputy governor candidates inevitably raises concerns about the continuity of the elections in both regions. Political analysts and election observers have noted that this kind of event is extremely rare, especially occurring so close together. “The deaths of two deputy governor candidates within a month certainly impact the dynamics of the Pilkada in Papua Selatan and Papua Tengah. This situation calls for special attention from the election organizers to ensure that the democratic process proceeds according to the rules,” said a political analyst in Papua.
Meanwhile, the Papua Regional Election Commission (KPU) stated that they would hold an emergency meeting to determine the next steps, especially concerning the replacement of the deceased candidates. “We are preparing measures to ensure that the elections in Papua continue in a fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the applicable regulations,” said a member of the Papua KPU, who requested anonymity.
The deaths of Petrus Safan and Ausilius You have drawn significant attention not only from the people of Papua but also from across Indonesia. Both were public figures known for their strong commitment to improving the welfare and development of Papua. Many hope that their families will be given the strength and resilience to endure this challenging time.
While the election process continues, the situation in Papua now faces heightened challenges, especially regarding campaign adjustments and the selection of replacement candidates. However, with cooperation between the election organizers, local governments, and the public, it is hoped that the democratic process will proceed smoothly without significant disruption.
This news adds another layer of complexity to Papua’s political landscape, which has already been marked by various challenges. Nonetheless, all parties involved are expected to maintain stability and security to ensure that the elections can produce leaders capable of guiding Papua toward a better future.
