Surya Paloh Says Election Bill Is a Priority: Why Wait Until Next Year?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Nasdem Party Chairman Surya Paloh believes that revising Law Number 7 of 2017 on Elections should be a top priority for discussion at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

According to Surya Paloh, the deliberation on the Election Bill should begin this year and does not need to wait until next year.

"I think we actually have plenty of time, but if it can be completed this year, that would be much better. Why do we have to wait until next year, for example?" Surya Paloh said when met at Nasdem Tower, Jakarta, Saturday (19/9/2026).

Surya Paloh said the Election Law is a highly strategic regulation since it forms the foundation for election administration.

He sees the revision discussion as an opportunity to explore better alternatives and refine the existing rules.

"So what should we actually prioritize? I think one of the laws we should prioritize is the Election Law over various other laws. I'm not saying the others aren't important, but the priority, in my view, should be the Election Law," Surya Paloh stated.

Nevertheless, Surya Paloh emphasized that discussions on the Election Bill must allow space for differing opinions. He noted that not every side must accept the same viewpoint.

"That's good. Other friends and colleagues can exchange ideas, some may agree, some may not. I highly appreciate this. How can we only respect our own opinions? If we only respect our own opinions, this country will suffer," Surya Paloh concluded.

Commission II to Establish Working Committee for Election Law Revision

Previously reported, Chairman of Commission II of the DPR RI Rifqinizamy Karsayuda confirmed that a Working Committee (Panja) for the Election Bill will be formed this year.

He said the formation of the Panja has been discussed between Commission II and the DPR leadership.

"So we ensure that this year Commission II of the DPR RI will, God willing, form the Election Bill Panja. When exactly, whether before or after the recess, we will see and announce," Rifqinizamy said at the DPR building, Wednesday (16/9/2026).

Rifqinizamy added that Commission II is currently focused on drafting the academic manuscript and initial draft of the Election Bill.

Meanwhile, the chairpersons of political parties in the government coalition have also met to discuss the revision of the Election Law informally.

Gerindra Party Secretary General Sugiono said the meeting covered various proposals, including the parliamentary threshold and the timing for starting the Election Bill discussion in the DPR.