PDIP Criticises KPK over Proposal to Limit Political Party Leaders' Tenure to Two Terms: Just Focus on Eradicating Corruption

The Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) proposal regarding the limitation of political party leaders’ terms has drawn sharp criticism.

PDIP politician Mohamad Guntur Romli views the idea as potentially exceeding the anti-corruption agency’s authority and harming democratic principles.

Guntur stressed that the proposal falls outside the scope of the KPK’s primary duties.

“First, it exceeds the KPK’s authority: ‘Ultra Vires’ of the KPK’s duties. This means the KPK has stepped outside its core tasks and functions,” Guntur stated on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

He explained that, according to the law, the KPK should focus on prosecuting and preventing corruption related to state officials and losses to state finances, not regulating the internal affairs of political parties.

“Interfering in the internal matters of political parties, which are legally civil society organisations (not state institutions), could be seen as going too far,” he said.

Additionally, Guntur assessed the proposal as potentially unconstitutional, particularly with regard to freedom of association.

“Second, the proposal is unconstitutional; juridically, political parties are legal entities with internal autonomy as voluntary organisations,” he asserted.

He noted that the leadership mechanisms of parties should be determined by members through internal rules, not state intervention.

“State intervention in party leaders’ terms could be regarded as undermining the independence of parties and the freedom of association guaranteed by the constitution,” Guntur continued.

Furthermore, he questioned the empirical basis of the proposal. According to him, there is no strong evidence that limiting party leaders’ terms will automatically reduce corruption rates.

“Third, there is no empirical study that conclusively proves limiting party leaders’ terms will automatically lower corruption rates,” he said.

He believes the root causes of corruption lie in high political costs, weak cadre development, and lack of transparency in funding.

Not only that, Guntur also warned of the potential misuse of such a policy for practical political interests.

“The proposal is also vulnerable to politicisation; intervening in party leadership durations is highly susceptible to abuse as a political tool,” he stated.

He is concerned that such rules could be exploited to bring down political opponents, not based on legal violations.

Guntur urged the KPK to remain focused on its primary function as a law enforcer.