JAKARTA, waspada.co.id – The United Progress Party (PPP) views the option of holding regional head elections (Pilkada) through the DPRD as a momentum for improvement. PPP believes that this option still needs to be considered.
This was said by PPP Secretary General Arwani Thomafi in response to Prabowo’s idea of proposing that regional heads be elected through the DPRD again. Arwani said Prabowo’s statement was a portrait of the reality of the process.
Arwani did not deny Prabowo’s statement about the regional elections taking up quite a lot of funds.This problem is exacerbated by the money politics that occurs every regional election.
Thus, Arwani believes that reflection on the capital-intensive general election model must be used as momentum to improve the electoral system. So it is hoped that in the future regional head candidates will be able to participate in regional elections wiht little capital, minimizing money politics, adn ensuring the strengthening of people’s sovereignty through direct elections.
“Improving the system, which is clearly a constitutional order, for example, is Constitutional Court decision No. 116/PYY-XXI/2023. “This is the momentum to improve our electoral system,” said Arwani.
Previously, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto launched a discourse on regional heads such as governors untill regents and mayors were re-elected by the DPRD. Prabowo assessed that, as implemented in other countries, the system was considered more efficient and did not cost a lot of money.
“I see that our neighboring countries are efficient, Malaysia, Singapore, India, once they elect members of the DPRD, once they vote, then the DPRD elects the governor, elects the regent,” said Prabowo in his speech at the peak of the Golkar Party’s 60th anniversary party, Sentul, Thursday (12/12) evening. (wool/republika/mrz/d2)
What are the main reasons behind the proposed shift from direct to DPRD-elected regional head elections in Indonesia?
Title: The Future of Regional Head Elections in Indonesia: An Interview with PPP Secretary General Arwani Thomafi
Introduction: The United Progress Party (PPP) has been vocal about the potential shift in how regional head elections (Pilkada) are conducted in Indonesia. In light of President Prabowo Subianto’s proposal to have regional leaders elected by the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), we sat down with PPP Secretary General Arwani Thomafi to discuss the implications of this idea, its potential impact on the electoral system, and what it means for Indonesian democracy.
Q: Mr. Thomafi, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the PPP’s viewpoint on President Prabowo’s suggestion to hold regional head elections through the DPRD?
A: Thank you for having me. The PPP believes that this proposal should be seriously considered as a moment for crucial improvement in our electoral system. prabowo’s statement reflects a growing concern over the extensive financial burden that regional elections impose, often exacerbated by money politics. We believe reassessing our election process is essential for ensuring that candidates, no matter their financial background, can participate in regional governance.
Q: You mentioned the issue of money politics in regional elections. Can you elaborate on how this affects the electoral process?
A: Certainly. The practice of money politics significantly distorts the democratic process. Candidates often need considerable financial resources to run effective campaigns,which can lead to corruption and may prevent qualified individuals who lack financial backing from participating.By shifting the electoral process to a system where the DPRD votes for the regional heads, we can minimize these financial demands, helping to ensure that true representation and strong governance come to the forefront.
Q: There are concerns about the openness and legitimacy of the DPRD electing regional heads instead. How does the PPP address this?
A: It’s an vital concern,and we recognise that the legitimacy of any electoral system rests on its transparency and accountability. However, we can implement strict regulations and oversight to ensure that the DPRD’s decision-making process is transparent. Moreover, we have an opportunity to revisit and enhance our electoral framework, as outlined in the Constitutional Court Decision No. 116/PYY-XXI/2023,to ensure these processes are robust and serve the people’s interests effectively.
Q: President Prabowo cited examples from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, which have different systems. How does the PPP view these comparisons?
A: Those examples are indeed valuable references. The efficiency observed in neighboring countries can serve as inspiration for reforming our own electoral system. However, we must be careful not to adopt systems wholesale without considering Indonesia’s unique political, cultural, and social landscape.our goal should be to standardize a system that improves efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens the people’s sovereignty in governance.
Q: What are some practical steps the PPP envisions to facilitate this transition towards the DPRD electing regional heads?
A: To facilitate this transition, we propose a series of public consultations to engage citizens.It’s crucial for us to gather input from all stakeholders,including local communities,experts,and political analysts. Additionally, developing a framework for the electoral process in alignment with constitutional guidelines is necessary to ensure that any changes we propose thrive within our legal boundaries.
Q: what message would you like to convey to the citizens of Indonesia regarding this potential change in the electoral system?
A: I want to emphasize that change may bring uncertainty, but also hope. We encourage citizens to engage with these discussions and actively voice their opinions on the electoral process. Our objective is to build a system that empowers them, diminishes the role of money in politics, and strengthens democracy in Indonesia.Together, we can realize a governance structure that is truly reflective of the will of the people.
Conclusion: The conversation with Arwani Thomafi brings to light crucial aspects surrounding the proposal for adjusting the regional elections in Indonesia. As discussions evolve, the PPP’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement remains central to fostering a more inclusive electoral landscape.