NasDem Chairman Surya Paloh: Any Electoral System Acceptable, Provided It Is Sportsmanlike

NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh has responded to the ongoing discussion of the Election Bill (RUU Pemilu), stating he has no issue with whatever electoral model or system is ultimately chosen for the 2029 General Election. He stressed that the most critical aspect is that the competition is carried out in a sportsmanlike manner.

“I think this Election Bill is just a matter of time, perhaps they are preparing it accordingly. If I am not mistaken, it is currently under discussion in Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives,” Paloh told reporters at the Mercure Ancol Hotel in North Jakarta on Wednesday (22/7/2026).

He admitted he does not mind whatever electoral stages, model, or system are decided upon, whether they remain the same as previous elections or undergo changes. According to him, the most important thing regarding the Election Bill is its ability to improve the quality of the election’s implementation itself. Furthermore, he hopes the 2029 election can be more democratic.

“I think the most important thing is how this election can better improve the quality of the election itself. That is the most fundamental point. It is not just about the formal legality of producing an election, but the essence we gain from this election is rebuilding a stronger democratic foundation in this country,” Paloh stated.

He also underscored the importance of upholding the value of sportsmanship. According to Paloh, a political competition becomes meaningless if it is not conducted fairly by both the participants and the organisers. “This is where I always remind everyone of one thing we must not take for granted: the sportsmanship of the election participants and organisers. We are ready for any kind of contest in the competition. But what is the meaning of that competition if we do not respect the values of sportsmanship that should prevail?” Paloh concluded.