Online Media Serves as Key Channel for Sunaryo’s Argorejo Village Head Campaign

BANTUL, JurnalPost.com – Sunaryo has secured the most votes in the village head election (Pilur) for Argorejo, in the Sedayu district of Bantul Regency. Based on the village-level vote recapitulation, Sunaryo obtained 3,247 votes, or approximately 47.1 percent of the 6,891 total valid votes.

This result placed Sunaryo at the top, ahead of the three other candidates. Eko Priyanto received 2,186 votes (31.7 percent), Drs. Mujiman received 1,100 votes (15.9 percent), and Supriyono received 358 votes (5.2 percent).

In addition to the valid votes, 516 invalid ballots were recorded, bringing the total number of votes cast in the Argorejo election to 7,407.

Sunaryo’s victory was driven by various factors throughout the election process. The efforts of his campaign team, field coordinators, cadres, and volunteers who engaged directly with the community played a crucial role in introducing the candidate to voters.

Meanwhile, the rise of digital media provided a new space for communication during the campaign. Online media and social media were utilized to disseminate information regarding the candidate’s profile, experience, vision and mission, programs, and various activities Sunaryo conducted with the community.

Through digital platforms, information in the form of articles, photos, and videos reached the public more rapidly. Residents did not always have to attend face-to-face events to stay informed about the candidates participating in the contest.

Fieldwork Complemented by Digital Media

Although the use of digital media is growing, direct communication with the community remains vital in village-level elections.

Campaign teams, field coordinators, cadres, and volunteers remained the primary conduits for peer-to-peer communication. Meanwhile, online and social media served to broaden the distribution of information, giving the public more opportunities to learn about the candidates and their proposed programs.

This campaign pattern reflects a shift in how candidates communicate with the public. Village-level campaigns are no longer solely reliant on face-to-face meetings, the installation of banners and billboards, or door-to-door visits.

The widespread use of smartphones and social media has caused local political communication to shift into the digital space.

However, the extent of online media's contribution to voter decisions cannot be determined solely by the final vote count.

To determine the true impact of digital media on public choice, specific surveys or research on voters would be required. Other factors, such as the candidate's personal reputation, track record, social networks, proposed programs, volunteer efforts, and direct communication with residents, also influence public decisions.

Therefore, online media is best viewed as one of several communication channels used during the election process, rather than the sole determining factor in the Argorejo election results.

This election experience illustrates how digital communication is beginning to run parallel to conventional campaign patterns at the village level.

From Contest to Responsibility

With 3,247 votes, Sunaryo emerged as the candidate with the highest tally in the Argorejo election.

The conclusion of the election marks the beginning of the next phase. Public attention is no longer focused on the rivalry between candidates, but on how the trust granted through the ballot box will be translated into the administration of the village government.

Efforts to embrace the entire community, including those who previously voted for other candidates, become an essential task once the contest has ended.

Ultimately, victory in an election is not merely about achieving the highest number of votes. This mandate carries the responsibility to provide public services, development, and village governance that benefits all residents of Argorejo.