Election Law Revision: PKS Legislators Push for Money Politics Blacklist Provision
Ahmad Heryawan, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission II, stated that he supports the proposal to impose a blacklist sanction on perpetrators of money politics to be included in the draft revision of Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections.
Money politics poses a vital threat to the quality of democracy, undermining electoral integrity. Therefore, blacklist sanctions preventing participation in future contests are relevant for implementation.
“The idea of blacklist sanctions should be considered as a deterrent while safeguarding democratic quality,” Heryawan said in a written statement on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
He added that including blacklist sanctions in the Election Law bill is crucial for more effective handling of electoral violations, hence the need for regulations to define proof methods.
Heryawan stressed that strengthening legal instruments in the Election Law bill is critical, particularly for electoral oversight bodies to have sufficient certainty and authority in their duties.
In addition to the blacklist proposal, PKS faction also supports redefining money politics to ensure legal mechanisms can address new modus operandi, especially in suspected digital transaction fraud.
“Regulations must not lag behind, so the definition of money politics must be expanded,” said the former West Java governor.
The proposals for blacklist sanctions and redefining money politics were put forward by Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) member Herwyn J.H. Malonda in early May.
According to Bawaslu records, there were 144 reports in the 2024 elections, with 90 suspected cases of money politics. The modus operandi has shifted from conventional to digital methods.
During the 2024 regional elections, Bawaslu recorded 130 money politics allegations, including 121 cases during the quiet period and nine on voting day.
The last discussion on the Election Law bill was held by Commission II on 10 March, where the House invited former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud MD and Jimly Asshidiqqie.
Under current law, the government should begin forming election commission selection teams in August or September.
Article 167(6) of the current Election Law states that election procedures must commence no later than 20 months before polling day.
On 12 May, House Speaker Puan Maharani stated four bills were prioritised for discussion during the fifth DPR session from 12 May to 21 July 2026.
However, none of the four bills listed in the plenary session on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, included the Election Law revision in the 2026 National Legislative Programme (Prolegnas).