Expert Values KPU Entry as Fourth Branch of Power to Strengthen Independence
Jakarta — Titi Anggraini, a lecturer in electoral law and constitutional law at the University of Indonesia, has endorsed a proposal for the General Elections Commission (KPU) to become a fourth branch of state power, contending it would strengthen independence and prevent political interference.
Anggraini argues that placing the KPU as a fourth branch of power would send a strong constitutional message that election administration is not merely an administrative state function, but rather a fundamental pillar of democracy.
“Given such substantial authority, strengthening the KPU’s constitutional position is important to ensure its independence is not easily disrupted by political power struggles,” she told the news agency ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.
Anggraini was responding to a proposal made by constitutional law expert Jimly Asshiddiqie during public hearings with Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
According to her, the proposal is compelling for restructuring the architecture of electoral democracy law and creating space for healthier democratic practice in election administration.
“In my view, this idea is compelling because it opens space to restructure the architecture of our electoral democracy law. Healthy democracy requires not only a strong executive, legislature, and judicial branch, but also genuinely independent election administrators who are protected constitutionally,” she stated.
Anggraini emphasised that the KPU has historically been positioned as an administrative body, despite its practice involving far more strategic functions—from formulating technical election regulations to managing national electoral processes and safeguarding the integrity of political competition.
The constitutional message in this discourse, she said, could strengthen institutional protection of election administrators from political power interventions that frequently emerge during and before electoral processes.
She added that strengthening this institution, which handles electoral matters every five years, should be accompanied by enhanced institutional accountability through adherence to professional standards, transparency, and strict oversight.
“Naturally, this strengthened position must be accompanied by enhanced accountability. Independence for election administrators should not be interpreted as power without control. Precisely because of its strategic position, election administrators must be subject to professional standards, transparency, and strict oversight,” Anggraini stated.