President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has issued a decree to regulate resignation and leave procedures in order to allow lawmakers and government officials who wish to run for office in the February general election to keep their posts and take regular leave during the campaign season. 

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has set the campaign period for the 2024 general election from Nov. 28 to Feb. 10, before voting day for the presidential and legislative elections on Feb. 14.

Article 36 of Government Regulation No. 53/2023 states that ministers, officials equivalent to ministers, and regional leaders can take one working day off every week during the election campaign. Weekends and holidays are exempt from the leave provisions, and individuals can campaign on those days.

The decree also lists high-level officials who are allowed to retain their positions while campaigning, including the president, vice president, lawmakers, ministers and officials equivalent to ministers, governors and deputy governors, regents and deputy regents, as well as mayors and deputy mayors.

Meanwhile, civil servants, members of the Indonesian Military, members of the National Police and officials at state-owned enterprises are still required to submit their resignations if they want to join the campaign.

“Everything is clear [in the regulation] about all the dos and don’ts,” said Ari Dwipayana, a senior staffer at the Presidential Secretariat.

The regulation also introduces leave procedures for ministers, governors and mayors who seek to take part in the campaign.

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