Building a Political Ecosystem Seen as Challenge for Women's Representation

PKS House of Representatives member Anis Byarwati has stated that building a political ecosystem is a challenge in implementing women’s representation. This was in response to Constitutional Court ruling No. 128/PUU-XXIV/2026, which stipulates that the General Elections Commission (KPU) at all levels can disqualify political parties failing to meet the 30% minimum requirement for female legislative candidates. “The real challenge is not merely meeting the 30% quota, but building a political ecosystem capable of producing more qualified female leaders. If achieved, this ruling would serve as a tool to strengthen democracy, not just enforce administrative rules,” Anis stated in her remarks on Thursday (28 May 2026). “Sanctions must also be proportionate. The goal of increasing women’s representation must not result in reduced voter choice due to disqualified candidates in certain electoral districts,” Anis said. She emphasised that formal compliance with women’s representation quotas cannot be a measure of democracy. “The key factor is the leadership quality, capacity, and integrity of women serving as people’s representatives,” she added. “Democracy requires substantive representation—women with the capacity, integrity, and equal opportunity to contribute to public policy-making,” Anis said. The aim is for women’s representation requirements to go beyond mere administrative compliance ahead of legislative candidate registration for elections. “The primary focus should be ensuring parties have sufficient time and support for continuous female cadre development, not just meeting registration requirements,” Anis said.