{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1620982,
        "msgid": "brin-researcher-proposes-asymmetric-regional-elections-as-middle-ground-between-direct-and-indirect-voting-1773762807",
        "date": "2026-03-17 21:56:59",
        "title": "BRIN Researcher Proposes Asymmetric Regional Elections as Middle Ground Between Direct and Indirect Voting",
        "author": "Jessi Carina",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Politics",
        "summary": "A researcher from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has proposed an asymmetric system for regional head elections, allowing direct elections in areas meeting fiscal criteria and indirect elections through regional parliaments in less-developed areas. The proposal includes a convention system and fit-and-proper tests televised to the public, aiming to prioritise integrity and leadership quality over popularity whilst maintaining democratic substance.",
        "content": "<p>Jakarta \u2014 A researcher from the National Research and Innovation\nAgency (BRIN), Siti Zuhro, has proposed asymmetric regional head\nelections (Pilkada) as a middle ground between direct and indirect\nvoting systems.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe propose an asymmetric approach, allowing direct elections in\nareas that meet the requirements, or indirect elections through the\nregional parliament when necessary,\u201d Zuhro said during a discussion\norganised by the Family of Former Election Commission Officials\n(KBM-KPU) at Hotel Mega Proklamasi in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March\n2026.<\/p>\n<p>She stated that direct elections could be conducted in regions with\nstrong fiscal criteria. \u201cAreas with high human development indices and\nother metrics would qualify,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n<p>However, for regions not yet prepared for direct elections due to\nlimited financial capacity, indirect voting through regional parliaments\ncould be conducted instead. \u201cFor example, if we force direct elections\nin Papua, it becomes problematic,\u201d Zuhro noted.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, the indirect voting system would not replicate the New\nOrder approach of direct selection managed through regional parliaments.\nInstead, Zuhro proposed a convention system to recruit candidates from\nlocal parties in each region.<\/p>\n<p>Candidates selected through party conventions would undergo\nfit-and-proper tests. \u201cThe focus would be on integrity, quality,\nleadership, and life history rather than popularity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>This approach would not diminish the substance of public voice, as\nthe fit-and-proper tests would be televised or conducted on public\nstages for public viewing. \u201cThe key is ensuring representativeness and\ngovernability are seriously considered, creating clean and dignified\ngovernment that serves the public interest,\u201d Zuhro concluded.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/brin-researcher-proposes-asymmetric-regional-elections-as-middle-ground-between-direct-and-indirect-voting-1773762807",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}