Political Parties React to Constitutional Court's Women's Quota Ruling
The Constitutional Court (MK) has ruled that political parties failing to meet the 30% female legislative candidate quota in electoral districts will face disqualification. The ruling was delivered during the hearing of case number 128/PUU-XXIV/2026.
In its deliberations, the MK stated that sanctions are necessary for political parties to comply with the 30% quota, viewing it as a measure to reduce discrimination in female legislative representation.
“The Election Commission (KPU) at all levels must disqualify political parties participating in the general election in electoral districts that do not meet the minimum 30% female candidate quota,” said MK judge Adies Kadir while delivering the ruling on the judicial review of Article 245 of Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Several political parties have responded to the MK ruling. Here is Tempo’s summary of their responses.
Democrat Party Deputy Chairman Dede Yusuf Macan Effendi stated that his party has historically prioritised meeting the 30% female candidate quota in each electoral district. “We actively propose female candidates to compete,” he said when contacted on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
He added that the Democrat Party is prepared to ensure compliance with the minimum 30% female candidate quota in future elections, noting that the MK’s disqualification sanction aligns with existing regulations.
As Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Second Commission, he urged further discussion on the MK ruling during the revision of the Election Law. “The sanctions must be addressed in the new law or KPU regulations,” Dede said.
PKS Secretary-General Muhammad Kholid viewed the MK ruling mandating parties to meet the 30% female candidate quota as a positive regulation. “It serves as affirmative action to strengthen women’s representation,” he said on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Kholid noted that PKS was the only political party to meet the 30% female candidate quota across all 84 electoral districts in the 2024 legislative election. He attributed this achievement to the party’s efforts in preparing female cadres for legislative contests.
For example, he said, by actively involving female cadres in party activities at all levels—from branch, district, city, provincial to central.
“Active participation helps us build a sufficient pool of female cadres ready and willing to be nominated,” Kholid said.
PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira said his party has taken note of the MK ruling. For PDIP, he stated, meeting the minimum 30% female legislative candidate quota in each electoral district is not difficult.
“We have female cadres at all levels and consistently strive to meet the 30% female candidate quota,” he said when contacted on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
He acknowledged challenges in meeting the quota in certain regions, citing Aceh and West Sumatra as examples where achieving 30% female candidates is difficult.
He cited recruitment issues and cultural factors as obstacles for parties to nominate female candidates in the required proportion. “Financial support is also a factor, as running for office often requires significant funds,” said the Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Thirteenth Commission.
However, he added that PDIP has always prepared female cadres for legislative elections from the outset, and thus the MK’s binding ruling should be implemented by all political parties.
PKB Central Executive Board Chairman Daniel Johan said the MK ruling is not an issue for his party, noting that PKB met the 30% female candidate quota in the 2024 legislative election.
“This MK ruling strengthens the implementation of women’s affirmative action in political contests and electoral democracy in Indonesia,” he said on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Johan added that PKB views women’s representation as more than administrative compliance; it is crucial for building an inclusive, fair, and representative democracy.
He said the party is strengthening cadre development at all levels, including providing support and leadership opportunities. “Women’s presence in parliament and all levels is expected to bring a more comprehensive perspective to public policy-making, especially regarding societal and future generations’ interests,” he said.
PAN Deputy Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay expressed support for the MK ruling enforcing sanctions on parties failing to meet the 30% female candidate quota. He said the ruling would compel all parties to take women’s political cadre education seriously.
“With existing laws and MK rulings, it’s up to political parties to implement affirmative action. If the path is clear, women are ready to compete,” Saleh said on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
He stated there is no cause for concern regarding women’s political participation, noting that many female politicians today have progressive and forward-thinking views.
The presence of female candidates always enriches and is always needed. They can always adapt to every situation and