DPR Commission II: Working Group for Election Law Revision to be Formed This Year

The Chairman of Commission II of the DPR, Muhammad Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, has ensured that a working group (panja) for the revision of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections will be formed in 2026.

“We will form the working group, in accordance with the duties of the 2026 National Legislative Program, within this year,” said Rifqi when met at the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

He explained that Commission II of the DPR is tasked with drafting the academic paper and the draft revision. As the revision of the Election Law is included in the 2026 Prolegnas, the working group must be formed this year.

He emphasised that Commission II will deliberate on the Election Law revision alongside the discussion of 16 other draft bills, namely 15 bills concerning regencies/cities and the Population Administration Bill.

“So, there is no need to worry, [the revision of] the Election Law will be run,” he stated.

Rifqi’s statement was made in response to Commission II member Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung, who claimed to have received information that the discussion of the Election Law revision would only take place in 2027.

When met at the parliamentary complex on Tuesday (15/9), Doli said the information regarding the postponement of the discussion schedule was obtained from an internal meeting of Commission II DPR.

Doli urged that discussions be carried out immediately, considering that the stages for the 2029 General Election will already be commencing.

He expressed concern regarding potential regulatory overlaps if the initial stages of the election, such as the formation of the selection committee for election organisers, are conducted using old regulations while new regulations are still being drafted.

“If a selection is held now, those participating in the test will certainly read the old regulations, but later in implementation, they will use the new ones. This will lead to a mismatch,” he said.