From Duty to Tragedy: Fatalities among KPPS Officers in the 2024 Indonesia National Election

The 2024 National Election in Indonesia witnessed a concerning phenomenon with the unfortunate demise of 108 KPPS (Election) Officers and a significant number of 14.364 individuals claiming sickness or requiring bed rest post-election, as reported by the Health Ministry on February 22, 2024. This study applies a literature review with a bio-cultural approach to identify and analyze the underlying factors contributing to the fatalities among KPPS officers during the election. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the issue, revealing a combination of factors, including: (1) the overwhelming nature of the assigned tasks, (2) concerns regarding accusations of electoral fraud, (3) detrimental habits such as smoking and excessive consumption of unhealthy snacks and beverages, (4) inconsistencies in meal schedules, and also (5) the health certificate lacked specificity of comorbidities. These factors emerged as significant contributors to the adverse health outcomes observed among KPPS officers. The study sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural and electoral system factors influencing the health and well-being of election officers, offering insights for the development of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating similar risks in future electoral processes.