Constitutional Court upholds direct regional elections; PPP chairman sees no change

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has reaffirmed that regional head elections (Pilkada) must continue to be held through direct popular vote. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit that sought to alter the established system.

Muhamad Mardiono, the Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), commented on the court's ruling, stating that it does not introduce any changes to the current electoral process. "Since it is already our decision, let's just follow it," Mardiono told reporters in Mataram, emphasizing that direct elections have long been the practice in Indonesia.

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Since it is already our decision, let's just follow it.

The issue resurfaced due to a legal challenge from parties reportedly opposed to direct elections. The Constitutional Court, in its decision on case number 195/PUU-XXIV/2026, maintained the principle of direct elections, while also respecting regional autonomy. The court deemed the lawsuit inadmissible, finding that the petitioners had not demonstrated any actual or potential constitutional harm within reasonable limits.

Chief Justice Suhartoyo explained that the ruling adheres to general election principles while acknowledging special regional governance structures. The court's consideration was based on the argument that the petitioners failed to prove any constitutional loss. The PPP chairman indicated that the party would abide by the court's decision.

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This is because there was a lawsuit from people who did not want the regional elections to be chosen by the people, so the MK decided to maintain the regional elections chosen by the people. Based on that decision, well, we just follow it.