TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

KPU gets approval to issue new rules in line with protesters' demands

Demonstrations flared up in several cities in Indonesia last week as anger mounted over what Jokowi's critics say is an attempt to further consolidate his power as he prepares to make way for successor Prabowo Subianto in October.

Reuters
Jakarta
Mon, August 26, 2024 Published on Aug. 26, 2024 Published on 2024-08-26T11:02:55+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
KPU gets approval to issue new rules in line with protesters' demands A demonstrator points as they clash with riot police during a protest against planned controversial revisions to election law outside the House of Representatives building in Jakarta, August 22, 2024. (Reuters/Willy Kurniawan)

T

he General Election Commission (KPU) secured the House of Representative's nod on Sunday to issue new rules in line with demands from protesters, who have been furious over an attempt by allies of outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to change eligibility requirements in their favour.

Demonstrations flared up in several cities in Indonesia last week as anger mounted over what Jokowi's critics say is an attempt to further consolidate his power as he prepares to make way for successor Prabowo Subianto in October.

The new rules will adopt a decision made by the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, which upheld the minimum age of 30 for candidates by the time of nomination and clauses that made it easier for parties to make nominations, KPU interim chairman Mochammad Afifuddin said.

"We are thankful that we can speed up (the consultation process with parliament), as it will give more room for us to prepare the nomination process," he said referring to the registration of regional leader candidates starting next Tuesday.

The House had started discussions late last year to revise the regional election laws but decided to speed it up earlier this week following the Constitutional Court's decision. 

The policy shift opens the door for Prabowo's presidential election rival Anies Baswedan to be nominated for Jakarta governor, a post he held from 2017-2022, but also means Jokowi's 29-year-old son Kaesang Pangarep cannot run in regional polls. 

Morning Brief

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

On Sunday, the election body attended a hearing with the House commission overseeing election issues to secure the lawmakers' approval before issuing the new rules.

Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said in the same hearing the government will help to speed up the process to issue the new regulations.

The labor party is scheduled to hold a protest again on Sunday, demanding the election body issue the new rules soon.

The popularity and outsized influence of Jokowi after a decade in charge was instrumental in Prabowo winning February's election by a big margin, in what was widely seen as a quid-pro-quo to ensure the outgoing leader retains a political stake long after he leaves office.

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.