Paloh Reveals NasDem Consistently Proposes 7% Parliamentary Threshold, Explains Reasoning

NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has stated that NasDem will remain consistent in pushing for the parliamentary threshold to be raised to 7 per cent, arguing that such a threshold would be far more effective.

“I think NasDem should just remain consistent on this matter. Unless there are truly significant changes. In any case, NasDem genuinely believes that if we could shift from a multi-party system to a selected party system, it would be far more effective — both for maintaining governmental stability and for implementing the beneficial outcomes of the democratic freedoms we possess,” Paloh said at NasDem Tower in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (21 February 2026).

Paloh then raised the issue of the large number of political parties, questioning the purpose of democracy if it does not deliver tangible benefits.

“This should give us pause for reflection. We have been overly enthusiastic about the sheer number of political parties in the name of democracy itself. But on the other hand, what is democracy for if it does not deliver practical benefits and consistency in pursuing the ideals of our independence? Capability, effectiveness, reasoning, intellectualism, and morality must move ever closer towards our shared goals,” he said.

Paloh stated that the role political parties must fulfil is to build public awareness. He noted that freedom comes with responsibility.

“If it stalls in place, or worse, regresses — if freedom exists merely for the sake of freedom — that is a source of sorrow for all of us. We see the outward appearance as far more important; image-making is considered greater than the essential soul, the authenticity we possess. The choices are ours to make,” Paloh said.

“But let us not forget, the position and role that political party institutions must fulfil is to continuously build public awareness. There is freedom, but there is also responsibility,” he added.

Paloh said Indonesia needs a balance between rights and obligations. He stressed the importance of exemplary leadership, where words are matched by deeds.

“That is precisely why exemplary leadership matters. Anyone who dares to speak and articulate grand ideas must also embody the values of that example within themselves. Words must be matched by actions. There must be consistency. This nation needs that. Otherwise, we remain trapped in perpetual pretence, time after time,” he said.