Mardani Ali Sera States KPU Commissioner Selection Committee Has Been Formed, Awaiting Announcement from Prabowo

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Mardani Ali Sera, the head of the PKS faction in Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), announced that the selection committee (Pansel) for prospective members of the General Election Commission (KPU) for the 2027-2032 term has been established and is awaiting announcement by President Prabowo Subianto.

He obtained this information through communication with the Director General of Politics and General Government (Dirjen Polpum) at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Deputy Chairperson of the DPR from the Gerindra faction, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

“The Pansel should have been formed by October 12, 2026. I have communicated with Dirjen Polpum, who has sent a letter to the President, and when I contacted Deputy Chairperson Pak Dasco, he said it is done,” Mardani stated when met at the DPR RI building on Thursday (22/10/2026).

“It's just waiting to be announced. It will be announced shortly. Okay, ready,” he added.

Despite having information that the Pansel has been formed, Mardani admitted he does not yet know the names that will fill the committee or the exact timing of the announcement.

“Not yet available. Not yet available,” he said.

However, Mardani emphasized that the selection process for prospective KPU members must begin with electing Pansel members who possess integrity and capability.

He hopes that Pansel members do not have interests that could create opportunities for favoritism in the selection of KPU commissioners.

“The most important note is to choose what is called Pansel, the Selection Committee, that has integrity and capacity. Do not choose those who have interests, which would make it easier for favoritism, no way,” Mardani stated.

According to him, the integrity of the Pansel is crucial because Indonesia needs a strong electoral management body amidst declining democracy indices.

“We are facing a democracy with a declining democracy index; we need a strong democratic institution. And it all begins with a Pansel that is both integral and capable,” Mardani concluded.

For your information, based on Article 22 Paragraph (8) of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning Elections, the formation of the selection committee for prospective KPU members is determined by presidential decree no later than six months before the end of the KPU members' term.

With the current KPU members serving from 2022 to 2027, the formation of the Pansel for the next term is scheduled for October 2026.

The Election Law also stipulates that the Pansel consists of a maximum of 11 people, ensuring at least 30 percent representation of women.

The Pansel comprises three individuals from the government, four from academia, and four from civil society.

This team is tasked with assisting the president in appointing prospective KPU members to be submitted to the DPR.