Indonesia Debates Return to Indirect Regional Elections Amidst Public Opposition

Parliament Considers Major Electoral Shift

Indonesia's parliament is currently debating a significant change to the nation's electoral system, specifically considering the termination of direct regional elections for governors, mayors, and regents. This potential shift would see a return to an indirect system, where local legislative councils, known as DPRD, would be responsible for electing regional leaders. The discussion has reignited a long-standing debate about the balance of power and democratic principles in the archipelago nation.

Historical Context of Regional Elections

Direct regional elections, or Pilkada, were introduced nationwide in 2005 as a cornerstone of Indonesia's post-Suharto Reformasi agenda. This system was designed to strengthen regional autonomy and ensure leaders were accountable directly to the voters, rather than to political parties or central government appointments. Prior to 2005, local executives were elected by local legislative bodies, a system that had been in place during the three-decade authoritarian New Order regime.

Arguments for Indirect Elections

Proponents of the return to indirect elections, including President Prabowo Subianto and his ruling coalition, argue that the current direct system is excessively costly and prone to vote-buying. President Prabowo has suggested that indirect polls would be more cost-effective and efficient, citing the substantial financial resources spent on organizing elections. Parties within his coalition, such as Gerindra, Golkar, the National Awakening Party (PKB), and the Amanat Nasional Party, have voiced support for this proposal, emphasizing the need to address the 'high-cost political system'.

Concerns and Public Opposition

The proposal has met with significant criticism from various sectors, including the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), civil society organizations, and academics. Critics argue that reverting to indirect elections would undermine popular sovereignty and represent a serious setback for Indonesia's democratic progress. Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the PDI-P, stated that 'Indirect regional head elections contravene popular sovereignty and the spirit of the 1998 Reform movement, and, most fundamentally, take away the people's democratic right to directly determine their own leaders'. Analysts warn that such a move could increase corruption and patronage, erode trust in parliament, and shift power away from voters and back into the hands of political elites. Public sentiment also largely favors direct elections; a Litbang Kompas survey released on January 12, 2026, indicated that 77.3 percent of respondents preferred to retain direct elections, with only 5.6 percent supporting selection by legislatures.

Outlook and Implications

Formal parliamentary deliberations on the matter are anticipated to commence mid-year. Observers suggest that the debate reflects a tension between the priorities of party elites seeking tighter control and the public's demand for accountability and democratic participation. The outcome of this debate will have profound implications for the future of local democracy and governance in Indonesia.