Nandito Putra, Jakarta – The General Elections Commission (KPU) has reiterated that the current system of direct regional head elections in the country must be maintained. The KPU's Commissioner for Technical and Implementation, Idham Holik, said the spirit of direct elections lies in strengthening people's sovereignty.
"Indonesia has achieved remarkable success in conducting direct regional elections, and it is imperative that we uphold this system," Idham stated in a phone interview with Tempo on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Idham did not deny the potential inefficiencies associated with direct elections. However, he emphasized that continuous efforts are being made to improve the technical implementation of these elections.
As one of the largest democratic countries with a vast archipelago, the successful implementation of direct regional elections is a significant achievement.
Idham highlighted the successful conduct of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, acknowledging minor technical challenges encountered in only two regions: Central Papua and Papua Pegunungan.
"Indonesia has held direct regional elections for almost two decades. We must also be realistic that this country is a democratic country based on people's sovereignty," he remarked.
He further stressed that the KPU continues to strive for greater efficiency in the utilization of our budget. "I always urge every KPU in regions to prioritize efficient budget management."
Regarding concerns about the high costs associated with regional elections, Idham emphasized the primacy of people's sovereignty. He pointed out that the Constitutional Court, through Decision Number 072-073/PUU-II/2004, has affirmed the principle of direct regional elections, overruling the previous system of election by the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD). This decision results from a judicial review of Law 32 of 2004 concerning Regional Government.
"Direct regional elections are a fundamental manifestation of democracy and people's sovereignty, and therefore, must be maintained," he reiterated.
Idham's statement comes in response to recent calls by President Prabowo Subianto for a potential shift to an indirect system of regional elections. During a speech at the Golkar Party's anniversary celebration on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the President expressed admiration for the election systems of neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and India, where regional heads are elected by the DPRD.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1953947/kpu-direct-regional-elections-must-be-uphel