NasDem's Lola and Irma Welcome Constitutional Court Ruling on 30% Female Candidate Quota
The 30% female candidate quota has long been stipulated in law, but implementation has often lacked strict penalties,” said NasDem Deputy Treasurer Lola Nelria to reporters on Tuesday (26 May 2026). “The Constitutional Court’s ruling provides legal certainty to ensure political parties take cadre development seriously and provide fair opportunities for women in the democratic process,” she added.
“As a female politician, Lola believes female representation is not merely about meeting administrative quotas. She argues that women’s presence in politics is crucial to ensure their voices and perspectives are included in public policy-making.”
“Therefore, I view this ruling as a catalyst for a more inclusive and equal political culture,” she said.
“The member of the House of Representatives’ Commission III hopes women are not merely token representatives but truly possess the capacity, quality, opportunities, and support to champion public aspirations.”
“However, it is equally important to strengthen the quality of women’s cadre development within political parties, ensuring they are not just quota fillers but genuinely equipped to advocate for public interests,” she added.
Meanwhile, NasDem Central Executive Board Chair Irma Suryani Chaniago also supported the Constitutional Court’s ruling, stating it ensures women are no longer mere quota fillers.
“I highly appreciate the Court’s decision to prevent political parties from treating women merely as quota fillers and to ensure gender equality,” she said.
Constitutional Court Ruling
Previously, the Constitutional Court ruled that the requirement for at least 30% female candidates in general elections for DPR/DPRD members must be strictly adhered to. It stated parties may be disqualified or excluded from the election in a constituency if they fail to meet the 30% female candidate quota.
The Court’s clarification is detailed in ruling 128/PUU-XXIV/2026, delivered on Monday (25 May). The petition was filed by Maya Novita Sari, Imas Dion Febriani, Cahya Camila Evanglin, and Fatati Nailul Munadia, who argued that Article 245 of Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Elections contradicts the 1945 Constitution as it did not specify penalties for parties violating the quota.
In the ruling, the Constitutional Court amended the wording of Article 245 of Law No. 7/2017 on Elections. The ruling states: “Article 245 of Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Elections is declared unconstitutional under the 1945 Constitution, and the provision is conditionally void unless interpreted as: ‘the list of prospective candidates as referred to in Article 243 must include at least 30% female representation, and if this quota is not met, the General Election Commission (KPU), Provincial KPU, and Regency/City KPU shall disqualify or exclude the political party from the election in the respective constituency’.”
Previously, the article read:
Article 245
The list of prospective candidates as referred to in Article 243 must include at least 30% female representation.