Indonesia Considers Government-Led Revision of Election Law to Speed Up Process

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) is deliberating on revising the Election Law, with a key point of discussion being whether the government should spearhead the legislative initiative. While the current status designates the revision as a DPR initiative, there is a proposal to expedite the process by having the government prepare the academic paper and draft bill.

Muhammad Rifqinazamy Karsayuda, Chairman of DPR Commission II, explained that a government-led initiative could streamline the process, as it might avoid significant debates and differing viewpoints among the eight political parties represented in the DPR. He noted that discussions within the DPR could become protracted due to the need for each faction to consult with their respective party chairmen on the core ideas for the policy changes.

Conversely, if the government takes the lead, it is expected to prepare the academic paper and draft bill more efficiently, thus saving time. This approach is seen as more practical. Karsayuda mentioned that Commission II will soon present a list of problems regarding the Election Law revision to the DPR leadership, who will then decide whether the bill remains a DPR initiative or is transferred to the government.

Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, and Immigration, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, indicated the government's willingness to negotiate with the DPR. The government is prepared to reconsider the approach if the revision process remains stalled in the DPR after two and a half years. The last discussion on the election law revision within Commission II DPR took place on March 10, involving former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin and Jimly Asshidiqqie.