PDI-P Has Reviewed the Constitutional Court's Decision on Election Separation, Awaiting Megawati's Decision

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDI-P has reviewed the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the separation of national and local election administration. However, the stance of the party bearing the bull symbol is still awaiting a decision from the Chairperson of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

PDI-P politician Aria Bima stated that the party has gathered information and studies regarding the Constitutional Court Decision Number 135/PUU-XXII/2024 concerning the separation of national and local elections.

Through that decision, the national election includes the presidential and vice-presidential elections as well as the elections for members of the House of Representatives and Regional Representative Council. Then, 2 to 2.5 years later, local elections will be held to elect governors, regents, and mayors along with members of the provincial and district/city regional legislative councils.

In the discussion, Aria Bima continued, there were many perspectives from the PDI-P cadres. Not only that, but PDI-P has also invited several experts to hear their input. These various opinions were then submitted to the Chairperson of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, for a decision.

"Today, Mother Mega is likely gathering the options that we collected yesterday. Later, it will be discussed together with Mother as the party's stance, which will become the faction's stance. However, I do not need to mention the options," said the Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR from the PDI-P faction, at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (17/7/2025).

Nevertheless, he does not deny that one of the issues relates to the transition period at the level of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) and also local leaders. As is known, in light of that decision, it is necessary to consider how the positions of regional heads and their deputies, as well as DPRD members, should be filled, as those currently in office will see their terms end in 2029, while local elections, according to the Constitutional Court's decision, will only be held between 2031 and 2032.

In addition, according to Aria Bima, there is also a debate regarding the separation of legislative and executive elections. Moreover, the process of power transition from the central to the regional level is also related to the substance of democracy, which ultimately impacts the welfare of the people.

"Therefore, during the discussions, there was dynamism everywhere. These discussion points will become a decision that will be conveyed by the Chairwoman of PDI-P," said Aria.

The review of the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the separation of elections was also conveyed by the Chairman of the DPP PDI-P, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, through his official social media. The Instagram account named @djarotsaifulhidayat posted content on Thursday (17/7/2025) morning that included a photo of the discussion.

In the post, other members of the DPP PDI-P can also be seen, such as Ganjar Pranowo, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, and Yasonna Laoly. The discussion took place at the DPP PDI Perjuangan office in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/7/2025).

"This FGD (forum group discussion) is the second stage, after the first stage was carried out by the PDI Perjuangan Central Research and Policy Analysis Agency (BARAK) together with experts and academics," he continued.

The Chairperson of the DPP PDI-P, Puan Maharani, also commented on the Constitutional Court's decision at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday. Puan, who also serves as the Chairperson of the House of Representatives, stated that the Constitutional Court's decision has violated the 1945 Constitution.

Puan also claims that all political parties in the DPR agree that the conduct of elections should continue to be held every five years. Nevertheless, her side is still reviewing the decision of the Constitutional Court, and everything will be communicated according to their respective authorities.

"Regarding the Constitutional Court, all political parties in the DPR have the same stance, that elections in accordance with the law are to be held every five years. In due time, we, all political parties, will respond in accordance with our authority," said Puan.

Previously, the Nasdem Party issued a statement rejecting the Constitutional Court's decision. In a statement delivered by the Member of the Nasdem Party's High Council, Lestari Moerdijat, on June 30, 2025, the party stated that the separation of elections creates issues within the framework of the state.

Furthermore, the implementation of the Constitutional Court's decision could lead to a constitutional crisis. This occurs because if the Constitutional Court's decision is executed, there will be a potential violation of Article 22E of the 1945 Constitution, which states that elections are held every five years.

Furthermore, this Constitutional Court ruling will mean that DPRD members during the transition period will be held without a democratic basis. DPRD members are political positions that are held solely based on election results.

"The Nasdem Party urges the DPR to request an explanation from the Constitutional Court and to regulate the way the Constitutional Court interprets constitutional norms in expressing the statesmanship inherent in its judges," said Lestari while reading the statement.

In addition to Nasdem, the Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) also views the decision as violating the mandate of Article 22E of the 1945 Constitution, which states that elections are held every five years. The Constitutional Court's decision, which has the potential to extend the term of members of the Regional People's Representative Council without an election, is considered unconstitutional.

Therefore, PKS is pushing for the design of simultaneous elections to be returned to the legislators (DPR) through an open legal policy, in accordance with the spirit of Constitutional Court Decision No. 55/PUU-XVII/2019. PKS is calling on all elements of the nation, including the Constitutional Court, to uphold constitutional principles in upholding the dignity of democracy in Indonesia.