Indonesia Considers Shift to Indirect Elections for Regional Heads, Sparking Debate
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Indonesia is weighing a significant change to its election system for regional leaders, potentially reverting from direct elections by citizens to a system of selection by provincial and regency/mayoral legislative councils (DPRD). The proposal gained momentum on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with the Democratic Party formally announcing its support.
The Democratic Party’s decision aligns it with President Prabowo Subianto’s stance on the matter, according to a written statement released by the party’s Secretary General, Herman Khaeron. “The Democratic Party is on the same line with President Prabowo Subianto in responding to the issue on the regional election system,” Khaeron stated.
Constitutional Basis for Change
Khaeron emphasized that the party’s position is rooted in the 1945 Constitution, which grants the state the authority to regulate regional election mechanisms through legislation. He argued that both direct elections and elections through the DPRD are legitimate options within Indonesia’s democratic framework.
“The Democratic Party views the election of regional heads by the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) as an option that deserves serious consideration, particularly in order to strengthen the effectiveness of regional governments, improve the quality of regional leadership, and maintain political stability and national unity,” Khaeron explained.
Growing Coalition Support
The Democratic Party is now the sixth of seven political parties within the governing coalition supporting the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration to back the idea of indirect regional head elections. The initiative was first proposed by Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia. Previously, the Gerindra Party, Golkar Party, the National Awakening Party (PKB), the National Mandate Party (PAN), and the NasDem Party had all signaled their support.
Calls for Open Deliberation
Despite its support for exploring the change, the Democratic Party stressed the importance of open and democratic discourse, with full public participation. The party believes any decision must reflect the will of the people and uphold the spirit of democracy.
“For the Democratic Party, the principle is clear: whatever mechanism is chosen, democracy must remain alive, the voice of the people must continue to be respected, and national unity must always be maintained as the main foundation of national and state life,” Khaeron affirmed.
Public Backlash and Concerns
The proposal has faced significant criticism from the public, with many arguing that indirect regional head elections would undermine the democratic reforms initiated in 1998. Activists and political observers have also warned that eliminating direct elections could further alienate voters and weaken the connection between citizens and their political representatives. The potential for reduced accountability and increased political maneuvering within the DPRD is a key concern raised by opponents of the proposed change.
