KPU Marks Its 73rd Anniversary for the First Time

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s General Elections Commission (KPU) has marked its anniversary for the first time since the state institution was established 73 years ago.

KPU chairman Mochammad Afifuddin said the decision to designate 7 November 1953 as the commission’s founding date followed lengthy discussions with former and current KPU officials. Some agreed and others did not, he said, adding that disagreement was a normal part of democracy.

Afifuddin said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for current KPU officials and their predecessors to meet and strengthen their commitment to ensuring elections in Indonesia run smoothly.

He said 7 November was chosen on the basis of historical research, including a visit to the Bung Karno Museum and Library. There, he said, researchers found Presidential Decree No. 188, which referred to the Indonesian Election Committee, or KPU.

One election held in 1955 is considered to have been among the country’s most democratic. At the time, Election Law No. 7 of 1953 was in force.

Afifuddin said the findings at the Bung Karno Library showed that the election law then contained 139 articles.

“One difference from the previous law concerned the minimum voting age, which was 18, and members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces had the right to vote. That is different from the law today,” he said.

Afifuddin also gave an update on plans to move the KPU Museum from the commission’s office in East Jakarta to a site beside its central office.

“Starting in January, the BI building next door can be used as the main museum, the Museum of the Democratic Journey,” he said.

Afifuddin added that, although the KPU was only now celebrating its founding, it had spent 73 years overseeing democracy in Indonesia.

The KPU’s 73rd anniversary was marked with a special talk show entitled ‘Reflections on the KPU’s Journey and Democracy’, attended by current and former commission officials. Those present included Heddy Lugito, chairman of the Election Organisers’ Ethics Council (DKPP); BAWASLU member Totok Heriyono; the Home Affairs Ministry’s secretary-general; and practitioners.