KIPP: Regional Elections via DPRD Could Trigger Oligarchy and Money Politics

The issues of oligarchy and money politics in Indonesia continue to be at the forefront of national debates regarding the mechanism of regional head elections. According to the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) of Indonesia, the system of indirect elections through regional representative councils (DPRD) could foster the strengthening of oligarchy and expand money politics practices in closed circles. Brahma Aryana, a representative of KIPP’s National Presidium, expressed a firm rejection of this system, pointing out its inconsistency with constitutional principles. He made several statements that the idea of conducting indirect elections is not only a step back in the democratic process but also a serious deviation from the reform agenda and the constitution. This view is shared by many experts and politicians, emphasizing that introducing such a system in Indonesia means undermining the people’s sovereignty and the democratic principles laid down in the country’s independence. Historically, reverting to the practice of indirect elections contradicts the people’s aspirations to enhance their right to participate in elections directly. The direct election system, as Brahma notes, should remain fundamental for both strengthening the people’s power and ensuring a fair distribution of authority between the executive and legislative branches of government.