Surya Paloh Firm on 7% Threshold: Willing to Accept NasDem's Failure to Qualify
NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh has revealed the reasons why his party desires an increase in the parliamentary threshold to 7 per cent. He believes that this figure could reduce the number of parties passing the selection process, thereby simplifying the management of democracy.
“From election to election, NasDem has been the most eager to raise the parliamentary threshold level. I must say so honestly. Our consideration is indeed selected parties. Fewer parties to manage the flow of democracy in this country, in our view, Nas/Dem certainly [supports this],” Paloh explained to journalists at NasDem Tower, Gondangdia, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (19/09/2026).
He stated that his party has remained consistent in its stance regarding the increase in the parliamentary threshold. However, he emphasised that the party continues to respect differing views from other political parties.
On the other hand, Paloh noted that NasDem’s current electability has not yet reached the 7 per cent mark in parliamentary threshold calculations. He admitted that he is willing to accept the possibility of NasDem failing to enter parliament if the threshold is raised to 7 per cent.
“NasDem proposes 7%, even though surveys show NasDem at 4%. Therefore, NasDem is willing to accept its exclusion from parliament if the parliamentary threshold is raised high; that is part of our desire to prioritise the greater national interest over party interests,” he said.
Meeting of Political Party Chairmen
Previously, several chairmen of political parties within the government coalition held a meeting. During the meeting, they discussed the revision of the Election Law, which also regulates the parliamentary threshold.
The meeting of the government coalition chairmen was confirmed directly by Gerindra Party Secretary-General Sugiono. In his explanation, Sugiono stated that the party chairmen had gathered recently.
“Yes, several party chairmen gathered yesterday. Gerindra was represented at the time by Mr Dasco, as the daily chairman, to discuss matters that need to be addressed regarding the election law,” Sugiono told journalists at the parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/09/2026).
Sugiono mentioned that an agreement was reached during the meeting regarding the parliamentary threshold. He noted that his party, led by President Prabowo Subianto, agrees with a 5 per cent parliamentary threshold.
“One thing that everyone seems to agree on, though I cannot speak on behalf of other parties. Gerindra agrees on a 5% PT. As Golkar and PKS also stated yesterday, I believe that is what we have agreed upon,” he concluded.