PKS Warns Against Selection of KPU Commissioners Becoming a Venue for Favors

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Mardani Ali Sera, the Chairman of the PKS Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that the selection process for members of the General Election Commission (KPU) is free from external influences.

Mardani stressed that the selection committee must comprise individuals of integrity and capability to ensure a smooth selection process.

“The key point is to choose the Selection Committee members who possess integrity and capacity. Do not select individuals with vested interests, which could facilitate undue influence; that is unacceptable,” Mardani stated during an interview at the House of Representatives building on Thursday (22/10/2026).

According to Mardani, the quality of the committee members is crucial as Indonesia requires strong electoral management bodies.

He noted that this need is more pressing given the decline in Indonesia's democracy index.

“We are facing a situation where the democracy index is dropping; we need robust electoral management bodies. It starts with an integrity-driven and capable Selection Committee,” Mardani added.

Previously, Mardani mentioned that the Selection Committee for KPU members for the 2027-2032 term has been established and is only awaiting an announcement from President Prabowo Subianto.

He indicated that he received this information following discussions with the Director General of Politics and General Government and Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

“The Selection Committee should have been formed by October 12, 2026. I’ve communicated with the Director General, who has sent a letter to the President. I contacted Deputy Speaker Pak Dasco, who confirmed it has been established,” Mardani said.

However, Mardani admitted that he does not yet know the names of those appointed to the Selection Committee or the timing of the announcement.

“I haven’t received that information yet,” he remarked.

It is noteworthy that, based on Article 22 Paragraph (8) of Law No. 7 of 2017 concerning Elections, the Selection Committee for KPU members must be established by presidential decree at least six months before the current membership term ends.

With the current term of KPU members set from 2022 to 2027, the establishment of the Selection Committee for the next term is scheduled for October 2026.

The Election Law also stipulates that the Selection Committee will consist of a maximum of 11 members, ensuring at least 30 percent representation of women.

The committee will include three representatives from the government, four from the academic community, and four members from civil society.

This team is tasked with assisting the president in determining the candidates for KPU members to be proposed to the DPR.