A Democratic Feast on Human Rights Day: Indramayu Elects a New Leader, Between Digital Hope and the Shadow of Gambling
By Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I., ME
The Dawn of Democracy on Human Rights Day
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, is a special date for Indramayu Regency. Coinciding with the commemoration of Human Rights Day, a celebration of local democracy was held simultaneously: the Village Head Elections, or Pilwu for short.
No fewer than 139 out of 309 villages across 31 sub-districts in Indramayu participated in the simultaneous Pilwu. This massive contest involved 1,357 Polling Stations (TPS) and saw 482 village head candidates vying for the village leadership position. These figures are not mere statistics, but rather a reflection of the vibrant political participation and the people’s right to determine the direction of development at the grassroots level. Compared to previous years, the 2025 Village Head Election (Pilis Wuwan) represents a progressive leap. Some villages have adopted a hybrid or semi-digital digital system using a sophisticated application called SIAP DESA. Although the majority of villages still maintain traditional manual mechanisms, this digital initiative represents a glimmer of hope for transparency and efficiency in the village democratic process. All stages are carried out under the coordination of the Village Head Election Committee, with primary responsibility resting with the Indramayu Regency Community and Village Empowerment Agency (DPMD), in accordance with the legal umbrella of Regent Regulation Number 30 of 2025.
Elected Village Heads and Inauguration Promises
As the sun shifts, Indramayu now has 139 newly elected Village Heads. These new faces carry the people’s mandate and high hopes for the advancement of their villages.
The subsequent process is clearly structured. Referring to Article 64, the Village Head who receives the most votes will be proposed by the Village Consultative Body (BPD) to the Indramayu Regent for appointment. This appointment process takes a maximum of 30 days from the BPD’s proposal. Thus, it is estimated that in early January 2026, these new village leaders will be officially inaugurated by the Regent. This inauguration will mark the beginning of a new chapter in their service, managing resources, and carrying out the people’s mandate.
The Dark Side of the Ballot Box: Betting and Morality
However, behind the hustle and bustle and euphoria of this democratic celebration, a dark shadow always looms. The Indramayu Pilwu, like many other general elections—from regional elections to presidential elections—leaves a bitter legacy. Issues of bribery in the form of “dawn attacks” (giving money or goods before voting) are a difficult threat to avoid.
Even more worrying is the increasingly widespread phenomenon of gambling.
The author had the opportunity to speak with Sunarto, a resident of Situraja Village, Gantar District. He confirmed that gambling always permeates every regional head election, especially the Pilwu. The stakes are not trivial: from large sums of cash to motorcycles to cars. Sunarto, who admitted to having gambled but has since “repented,” emphasized one thing: “Gambling is not a blessing.”
A more extreme story was told by Aris, a resident of Kiara Kurung Situraja. He said there were bets involving high-value assets, such as rice fields and factories. These gamblers were often the driving force behind the massive “dawn raids.” They not only awaited gifts from village head candidates but also actively contributed bribes. Why? Because the victory of their favorite candidate was synonymous with the potential to earn tens, even hundreds of millions of rupiah from betting winnings.
This phenomenon confirms that democracy, when not accompanied by maturity and morality, can have a significant negative impact on the public’s mentality.
Epilogue: A Sacred Mandate in the Hands of New Leaders
Indramayu has elected. 139 new village heads will soon take office, bringing promises of change and improvement.
However, this village head election leaves significant homework for policymakers. Democracy is not just about procedures and ballot boxes, but also about the moral integrity of those involved and the ethical maturity of voters. Is it still necessary to continue direct elections, when they open up opportunities for bribery and gambling practices that erode the mentality?
The answer may not lie in eliminating the right to vote, but rather in much deeper political and moral education.
Now, the ball is in the court of the 139 elected Village Heads. They have received not only power, but a sacred mandate. A mandate to fight the temptation of corruption, to develop villages without being indebted to dirty practices, and to prove that the honest voice of the people is far more valuable than all the betting money in the world.
May the dawn rising in Indramayu on Human Rights Day truly bring the light of hope, not only to digitally empowered villages, but also to the hearts and consciences of all its citizens. Let people’s sovereignty be a blessing, not a gamble.**
Indramayu Indonesia, December 11, 2025
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