KPU Prepares Internal Studies for 2029 Election

The General Elections Commission (KPU) of Indonesia has begun early preparations for the 2029 General Election by compiling various internal studies. These studies are intended to serve as input for improving future electoral governance, even though the discussion of the Election Bill at the House of Representatives (DPR) has not officially started. KPU Chairman Mochammad Afifuddin stated that the review focuses on evaluating previous election administrations and simulating various options for system improvements. Internal forums are being deliberately prepared so that the KPU is ready to provide a technical perspective if requested by lawmakers. “We at the KPU are preparing many forums to conduct internal studies, which will be oriented towards providing input if requested by the legislators,” Afifuddin said at the KPU office in Jakarta on Monday. Afifuddin stressed that the KPU is not favouring any particular electoral system model. The studies include mapping various alternatives, from electoral systems to the arrangement of electoral districts, complete with an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and implementation challenges. He noted that the KPU’s role in the revision of the Election Law is to provide input based on its institutional experience as the election organiser. Meanwhile, aspirations from election participants or political parties will be channelled through the legislative process in Commission II of the DPR. “Once the law is drafted and we are asked for input, we will submit it officially. For now, we are following the ongoing process because revising the law is the domain of the DPR and the government,” he added. In addition to preparing studies, the KPU has also begun examining the projected timeline for the 2029 election stages. Based on previous experience, crucial stages such as political party registration typically begin around June, followed by the development of information systems towards the end of the year before the election. The KPU is committed to working in accordance with existing regulations while awaiting new policy directions in the revised Election Law to ensure readiness for the five-yearly democratic event.