DPR Commission II Refines Election Law Revision, Highlighting Money Politics and Asymmetric Election Schemes

HM Giri Ramanda N Kiemas, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has revealed several critical inputs from experts during a public hearing regarding the preparation of the Election Law Bill (RUU Pemilu). Key issues under discussion include the improvement of the electoral system, the strengthening of decentralisation, and the option for asymmetric election schemes.

During the hearing, which featured experts Professor Ramlan Surbakti and Professor Siti Zuhro, Professor Surbati highlighted flaws in the current open proportional electoral system. While the system is deemed free, it is not yet fully fair. He emphasised the need for a more equitable model to combat money politics and the lack of transparency in campaign funding sources.

Professor Siti Zuhro stressed the importance of strengthening decentralisation and regional autonomy following Constitutional Court Decision Number 135. She cautioned that the design of national and local elections must not undermine regional autonomy.

Furthermore, the hearing explored the concept of asymmetric regional elections, where mechanisms for local elections could differ by region based on specific indicators. This could include some regions holding direct elections while others utilise indirect methods. Professor Zuhro also proposed options for separating election schedules as a transition period to align with the Constitutional Court’s decision, such as staggered dates for legislative, presidential, and regional elections.

Giri reaffirmed that all options being considered in the Election Law Bill revision must remain oriented towards strengthening decentralisation and regional autonomy.

Mardani Ali Sera, a member of Commission II from the PKS Faction, stated that discussions for the Election Law revision are targeted to commence between July and August 2026. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Puskapol UI, Hurriyah, noted that such revisions often progress slowly due to the competing political interests between parties.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has also weighed in, with spokesperson Budi Prasetyo noting that current practices create loopholes for electoral manipulation. The KPK has proposed five points for improving the 2026 elections to prevent electoral corruption, including limiting cash campaign contributions and implementing electronic vote recapitulation.