MPR Speaker Stresses State Policy Guidelines Will Not Regulate Election Technicalities

Jakarta - People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani has stressed that the Broad Outlines of State Policy (PPHN) will not regulate the technicalities of general elections, including regional head elections (pilkada). “No. The PPHN only concerns the principles of democracy,” Muzani stated during a press conference at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday. He explained that the PPHN serves as a philosophical guide for statecraft, encompassing the fundamental principles of democracy, and must be adhered to by all state institutions in carrying out the people’s mandate. According to Muzani, the PPHN differs from the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), which contains technical guidelines. He noted that the draft of the PPHN has been under discussion since the previous MPR leadership and was completed during the current term. The concept has already been presented to President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (3/8). In principle, Muzani said, the President accepted the concept and hopes it will soon be enacted into a legal product. The joint meeting of MPR leaders, factions, and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) group on Wednesday discussed the most suitable legal framework for the PPHN. When asked whether the MPR would pursue a constitutional amendment, Muzani indicated that this option would be discussed further in subsequent joint meetings, noting that various views on the matter had already emerged.