KPU: Will Not Release Ex-Inmates Who Have Not Been Restless For Five Years As Legislators

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian General Elections Commission (KPU) Hasyim Asy'ari stated that he would reject the name of a candidate for DPD RI member, a former convict, if he did not meet the requirements, he was purely free for 5 years.

"Based on the data we have obtained from legal institutions, there is one person who has not fulfilled the 5-year gap so that he is declared ineligible," said Hasyim when confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday.

Hasyim reiterated that someone who has been involved in criminal cases can still register as a legislative candidate (bacaleg) on certain conditions.

"It's not always that the former convict automatically does not meet the requirements because there are provisions that we both have to know," said Hasyim.

He said one of these conditions was that he had completed a criminal sentence or had been free purely for a minimum of 5 years since his release.

"So, the person concerned must have finished serving his criminal law and be free for 5 years," he added.

Hasyim also firmly said that the KPU would not give a special sign to ballots for legislative candidates (caleg) who have past records as ex-convicts.

"There is no specific sign on the ballot for the former convict who has passed the 5-year gap. In the law, there is also no specific sign for a ballot for the eligible former convict," said Hasyim.

As an election organizing institution, continued Hasyim, the KPU still prioritizes fair and equal principles in the implementation of democratic parties. This includes the right of candidates to compete openly without discrimination based on past criminal records.

On August 27, 2023, the KPU announced the names of the former convicts registered as candidates for members of the DPR RI and DPD RI, consisting of 52 candidates for DPR members and 15 candidates for DPD members.