Indonesia's Election Law Revisions Delayed by Status Quo and Elite Stability Concerns

The ongoing postponement of discussions surrounding revisions to Indonesia's election law can be attributed to two primary factors: a tendency to preserve the existing regulatory framework and the desire among political elites to maintain stability. Delia Wildianti, a researcher at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Indonesia, explained these dynamics.

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Those who feel benefited by the current system tend to reject or delay reforms.

Wildianti noted that changes to election rules fundamentally alter the distribution of political power. She suggests that current regulations are perceived as having successfully created a political configuration that favors certain groups, thus diminishing any strong impetus for significant reform. "Those who feel benefited by the current system tend to reject or delay reforms," she stated during a Zoom meeting on July 16, 2026.

This inclination to maintain the status quo is further amplified by the political infrastructure developed by specific elite factions. If existing regulations persist and political resources become increasingly concentrated, the potential for dominant and unchecked power grows. Wildianti warned that this situation risks fostering unequal and unfair political competition, undermining the core principle of fair elections for all participants.

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This situation risks creating unequal and unfair political competition.

Furthermore, the delays reflect a perceived lack of serious commitment to substantive democratic reform. Wildianti observed that while issues with past elections may be acknowledged, a strong political will for improvement has not materialized in legislative agendas or political actions. "If there is a view that the conduct of elections has had many problems, then there should be a strong political will to make improvements," she commented.

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If there is a view that the conduct of elections has had many problems, then there should be a strong political will to make improvements.

The desire to uphold political stability among the elite also plays a crucial role. Wildianti pointed to the earlier discussion of indirect regional head elections in early 2025, which faced public criticism and faded away. Similarly, the current delay in revising the election law can be seen as an effort to prevent potential conflicts among those in power and safeguard the existing political equilibrium. "This phenomenon shows that the government and political elites tend to avoid issues that could cause debate and disrupt the political stability being built," she concluded.

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This phenomenon shows that the government and political elites tend to avoid issues that could cause debate and disrupt the political stability being built.