Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, announced that the government plans to revise Indonesia's general elections law. According to him, President Prabowo Subianto wants to reform the political system to allow for more open political participation for all citizens.
"It shouldn't just be wealthy individuals or celebrities becoming politicians; the opportunity should be open to everyone," Yusril stated at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Friday, August 5, 2025.
The former chairman of the Crescent Star Party noted that the current political system hinders talented individuals from emerging, leading to a dominance of celebrities. He observed that this situation has negatively impacted the quality of members in the House of Representatives (DPR).
"We see criticisms regarding the current quality of DPR members, and the government acknowledges this," he said.
Revision of Election Law and Asset Forfeiture Bill
Yusril also mentioned that the revision of the General Election Law is based on a Constitutional Court (MK) decision that demands a change in the electoral system, such as the removal of the electoral threshold.
He directed further inquiries to the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian. However, he confirmed that Prabowo has instructed him to study the MK's decision to improve the General Elections Law.
Furthermore, Yusril stated that Prabowo has repeatedly urged the parliament to immediately discuss the bill on the confiscation of assets. He has discussed this matter with Law Minister Supratman Andi Aqtas, and they plan to include the bill in the 2025-2026 national legislation program.
"We are now waiting for the decision on whether the initiative will be taken by the parliament," he said. If the parliament takes the initiative, the government is prepared to discuss the bill. The president will appoint a minister to lead the discussions.
Public protests and demands
This move comes amid ongoing protests in Jakarta and various other regions, which began on August 25, 2025. The public demands the cancellation of an increase in the council members' allowance, deeming it inappropriate given the current economic hardship.
The situation escalated on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when a tactical vehicle belonging to the Mobile Brigade Corps of the National Police ran over a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan. As of early September, Tempo's records indicate that the protests in various cities have resulted in 10 fatalities.
In response, the public has organized the "17+8 People's Demands Movement," a summary of various public grievances that has gained significant traction on social media. Among the key demands are the enactment and enforcement of the law on the confiscation of corruptors' assets and the reform of political parties to strengthen executive oversight.
– Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to the report