Election Law Revision Concerns the Lifeblood of Political Parties, Elections, and Democracy

JAKARTA - Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction, Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus, explained that the revision of Law Number 7 of 2017 on Elections is the lifeblood for political parties and democracy. Therefore, he disagrees if the government takes the initiative for the revision of the Election Law from the DPR. “I disagree if the Election Law becomes a government initiative because this law package concerns the lifeblood of political parties, elections, and democracy,” Deddy clarified when contacted on Friday (8/5/2026). “This proposal is odd because many technical laws are made DPR initiatives, but a law vital to the DPR is proposed to become a government initiative,” he continued. Because in democracy, differences in political views are a normal matter. “If you’re afraid of differences and struggles, then don’t engage in politics or form political parties,” Deddy asserted. He firmly stated that handing over the initiative for revising the Election Law to the government is tantamount to handing over the future of democracy to those in power. “Those interested in elections are political parties as election participants. Handing over the initiative for the Election Bill to the government is the same as handing over the lifeblood of political parties and democracy to those in power,” said Deddy. Meanwhile, House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani stated that discussions on the revision of Law Number 7 of 2017 on Elections are still being communicated with party leaders to date. “Currently, we are still discussing it with party leaders,” said Puan when met at the DPR Building on Thursday (16/4/2026). The discussion process is being conducted to ensure that future elections run better. She emphasised that the main principle in preparing the revision of the Election Law is to present a quality election system that has a positive impact on the wider community. “The most important thing is how in that process the election can run honestly, fairly, efficiently, and of course bring good benefits to the nation and state,” said Puan. “If, for example, after half, 2.5 years it’s not finished, then there’s no harm in renegotiating who will submit the draft,” said Yusril on Wednesday (29/4/2026). “I don’t know the latest developments yet, but the government to date is still waiting for the draft completed and prepared by the DPR,” Yusril stated.