Gayus: Indonesia not ready for ‘direct’ elections

Gayus Lumbuun, a Supreme Court’s justice candidate, says Indonesian citizens are not ready for direct general elections.

“Compared to other countries, this country’s citizens are not ready to have a direct general election. People still tend to choose candidates who have popularity and strong financial power,” Gayus, who is currently House’s law commission legislator, said during a selection process at the Judicial Commission’s office on Thursday.

Ahmad Syafii Maarif, former Muhammadiyah chairman, one of the juries, asked Gayus about money politics used by candidates to win seats in the House of Representatives.

“Money politics might be powerful but that is definitely the wrong tool to be used in order to become a House member,” Gayus said. He added that money politics could result in less-qualified House members.

The Judicial Commission has held its justice selection from July 20 to 28. There are 43 justice candidates being openly interviewed by commissioners and experts.

The commissioners are Abbas Said, Eman Suparman, Imam Anshori, Jaja Ahmad Jayus, Suparman Marzuki, Taufiqurrohman Syahuri, Ahmad Syafii Maarif and Yahya Harahap.(aaa)