Kenneth PDIP: Election through the DPRD is a setback for democracy

Politician of the Struggle PDI (PDIP), Hardiyanto Kenneth strongly rejects the discourse on the election of the Regional Head through the DPRD. He assessed that the discourse was contrary to the spirit of reform, democracy, and the principle of popular sovereignty guaranteed by the constitution.

"As a PDI Perjuangan cadre, I emphasize the rejection of the Pilkada chosen by the DPRD. This is a step backwards that harms democracy and betrays the spirit of the 1998 reform," Kenneth said in his statement, Thursday, January 15.

The member of the C Commission of the DKI Jakarta DPRD emphasized that the direct Pilkada was the result of the long struggle of the people to reclaim their right to determine their own leaders. According to him, direct elections are not just an electoral mechanism, but a tangible manifestation of the principle of popular sovereignty.

"Democracy places the people as the highest power, not just for a handful of political elites. Therefore, returning the election of regional heads through the DPRD is the same as robbing the people's political rights," he said.

Furthermore, Kent emphasized that PDIP has always been consistent from the beginning in fighting for a democratic, participatory, and just democracy for the little people. Any efforts that have the potential to weaken democracy, including reducing the people's voting rights, are sure to be rejected.

"If the reasons for efficiency, stability, or cost are used as an excuse, then what must be corrected is the governance and integrity of the electorate, not revoking the basic rights of the people," said the Chairman of the Association of Family Alumni of Lemhannas RI (IKAL) PPRA Class LXII.

According to him, the Pilkada through the DPRD has the potential to open up a space for transactional politics, oligarchy, and conflicts of interest that increasingly distance the people from the decision-making process.

"Democracy should not be simplified into an elite agreement. Democracy must live from the genuine participation of the people," added the Head of BAGUNA DPD PDIP DKI Jakarta.

Kent also invited all elements of society, academics, democracy activists, and state organizers to jointly monitor so that the Pilkada is carried out directly and not through the DPRD.

"PDI Perjuangan will continue to stand at the forefront of safeguarding democracy, rejecting political setbacks, and ensuring that the people's voice remains the main determinant of the direction of national leadership. Democracy belongs to the people. The people must choose their own leaders," he concluded.