House of Representatives Commission III Criticizes Election Separation Decision While Discussing Constitutional Court Budget

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The Constitutional Court's decision regarding the separation of national and local elections emerged during the budget discussion between Commission III of the DPR and the Secretariat General of the Constitutional Court, the Secretariat General of the Supreme Court, and the Secretariat General of the Judicial Commission, in Jakarta, Wednesday (9/7/2025). Although it criticized the Constitutional Court for overstepping its authority, the DPR stated that the decision would not affect budget changes.

In a Hearing Meeting with these three institutions at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR from the National Awakening Party faction, Rano Alfath, stated that they have received a proposal for budget changes from the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Judicial Commission. The changes for the Indicative Ceiling of the 2026 Fiscal Year will also be advocated for so that it can be increased in accordance with the proposal.

The Constitutional Court proposed an additional budget of IDR 130.97 billion, bringing the indicative budget ceiling to IDR 391.86 billion. Meanwhile, the Judicial Commission requested an increase of IDR 277.34 billion, resulting in a total of IDR 359.97 billion. For the Supreme Court, the budget increase reached IDR 7.67 trillion, changing the total to IDR 18.55 trillion.

"Besides Commission III, of course, the Budget Committee and the Leadership of the DPR will determine the budget changes. In principle, Commission III agrees to the budget increase for the Secretary of the Supreme Court, the Secretary General of the Judicial Commission, and the Secretary of the Constitutional Court. We fully support this," said Rano before closing the meeting.

Although agreeing to the changes and supporting the budget increase, on that occasion, the legislators in Commission III of the DPR also criticized the Constitutional Court's decision to separate national and local elections, which is considered to exceed its authority.

In Decision No. 135/PUU-XXII/2024, it is stated that national elections are held to elect the president and vice president, members of the DPR, and members of the DPR. Meanwhile, local elections for regional heads and provincial and district/city DPRDs are to be conducted no later than 2.5 years after the central elections.

Although agreeing to the changes and supporting the budget increase, on that occasion, the legislators in Commission III of the DPR also criticized the Constitutional Court's decision to separate national and local elections.

The decision is considered by several politicians in the DPR to exceed the authority of the Constitutional Court. Rano even reminded the Constitutional Court during the budget discussion meeting to continue performing its duties as a norm tester, not a norm creator.

Previously, a similar narrative also emerged among legislators in the DPR in response to the Constitutional Court's decision. In fact, several politicians, including an official statement from the Nasdem Party, stated that this Constitutional Court decision is considered to violate the 1945 Constitution.

A member of Commission III from the Nasdem Party faction, Rudianto Lallo, stated that the Constitutional Court (MK) is the most discussed due to its controversial ruling regarding the separation of elections. He hopes that there will be no more rulings from the MK in the future that also generate polemics and are considered to violate the constitution.

"This House of Representatives, sir, takes a long time to produce laws and listens to the people's aspirations. If an article is suddenly deemed contradictory, but the Constitutional Court's ruling also contradicts (the 1945 Constitution), this is also a problem with our constitution. It's a deadlock," Rudianto said at the meeting.

A member of Commission III from the PKB faction, Hasbiallah Ilyas, also continued the criticism from Rudianto. He urged the judges of the Constitutional Court to be more prudent in issuing decisions and to avoid causing turmoil in the community.

"I also agree that the budget for the Constitutional Court should be increased. However, please be more prudent regarding the (election) decisions. Therefore, in my opinion, it is necessary to be more optimal, so that the Constitutional Court does not deviate from the existing norms," said Hasbiallah.

Meanwhile, a member of Commission III from the Democratic Party faction, Andi Muzakir, urged the Constitutional Court to be consistent in its decisions. He observed that the rulings of the Constitutional Court are not uniform and tend to change with each period.

"This year (the elections) are simultaneous, and next they will be separated. Just one thing, sir, there is no consistency. Where is this country headed? Perhaps that is all for the Constitutional Court," said Andi.

The DPR continues to support the Constitutional Court in terms of budget, despite criticizing the constitutional guardian institution.

When met after the meeting, Rano emphasized that the DPR continues to support the MK in terms of budget, despite expressing criticism towards the constitutional guardian institution during the meeting. He stated that the MK, MA, and KY are legal institutions that need full support to create justice in this country.

"We fully support this, because the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Judicial Commission are also one of the final authorities. Therefore, we need to strengthen each of these partners for budget increases. We must separate that (the Constitutional Court's decision from budget policies), but it is clear that the Constitutional Court must return to its main duties and functions as an examiner, not a drafter," said Rano.

The Secretary General of the Constitutional Court, Heru Setiawan, stated that the controversy surrounding this Constitutional Court Decision does not affect the proposal for an additional budget. He also observed that Commission III of the House of Representatives continues to provide its support for the performance of the Constitutional Court.

"The DPR agrees. Supports all of the above. Regarding the MK's decision, it has already been stated. We are just waiting for the authority of the DPR to follow up," said Heru.

Previously, in the meeting, Heru outlined that the additional budget of Rp 130.97 billion includes handling constitutional cases amounting to Rp 84.2 billion and management support totaling Rp 46.77 billion. This addition is also expected to cover the shortfall in employee salary expenditures of Rp 26.65 billion.