Expert Urges 2029 Election Organiser Selection to Begin Before October 2026

University of Indonesia election law expert Titi Anggraini has emphasised that the selection process for election organisers must begin no later than October 2026 to ensure the 2029 General Election proceeds with integrity. She stated that according to existing laws, the selection must be conducted six months before the terms of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) expire. As their terms end on 12 April 2027, the selection process should be underway by 12 October 2026. Titi highlighted that the integrity of election organisers is a key determinant of electoral quality, citing American election law expert Heather Gerken’s view that half of an election’s integrity lies with its organisers. She also noted outstanding issues from previous elections, including ethical violation cases still being processed by the Election Organiser Honour Council (DKPP), and argued that a revision of the election law is necessary to harmonise the varying end dates of organisers’ terms. Titi referenced Constitutional Court Decision No. 120/PUU-XX/2022, which affirmed that election organisers at all levels should be recruited before election stages commence, allowing time for training, technical guidance, and rule socialisation. Separately, Chairman of House Commission II, Muhammad Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, revealed that formal deliberation on revising Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections cannot begin as it awaits a green light from party chairpersons. He acknowledged the political reality that members of parliament cannot proceed without leadership approval, describing the situation as not ideal for party institutionalisation. Rifqi stated that while Commission II has asked all members to submit their problem inventory lists to their respective party leaders to encourage acceleration, a working committee has yet to be formed and he could not confirm when formal discussions would open.