DPR Agrees to Hold Regional Elections on December 9

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indonesian House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission II agrees to proceed with the regional elections (pilkada) on December 9, 2020.

“Commission II of the House of Representatives with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indonesian General Elections Commission (KPU) have all synonymously agreed in a vote, for the (regional elections) to be held on December 9, 2020," said House's Commission II chief, Ahmad Doli Kurnia, on Wednesday, May 27.

Although a majority of the factions in the House have agreed with the notion, a number of requirements have been stipulated. 

DPR's Commission II member from the Demokrat faction, Wahyu Sanjaya, has called for the government and the Election Commission to ensure measures geared to maintain public safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We ask that intensive discussions be held, in order to ensure the safety of the Indonesian people who will carry out the regional elections," Wahyu said.

Another House member from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, Guspardi Gaus, revealed that his party supported the statement said by Home Affairs Minister Tito that no other country in the world postponed their elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic until 2021.

Lastly, DPR's Commission II member from the Gerindra faction, Sodik Mudjahid, explained that Gerindra agreed with the regional elections to be held on December 9, as it is impossible to predict the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Sodik has called for all parties to make peace with the pandemic.

“We agree and understand the policy to make peace (with the pandemic) and continue to carry out activities in accordance with COVID-19 health protocols, including in the elections," Sodik added.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | Translator: DIO SUHENDA (Intern)