Assuming Regional Head Position Can Be Extended By President, Deputy Governor Of DKI: If I Don't Ask

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu Wardani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria views the position of regional head which will end this year can be extended until the 2024 simultaneous elections.

However, with a note if President Joko Widodo wants to revise the law regarding regional head elections (pilkada) or other regulations.

"Yes, the President as the government certainly has the authority to make laws, revise laws, especially presidential regulations, government regulations, especially ministerial decisions. It's possible. Everything is very possible," said Riza at City Hall, Thursday, January 13.

However, Riza said that the Pilkada Law, which currently stipulates the term of office of regional heads for five years, was filled by an official, could change if it was approved and discussed by the government and the Indonesian House of Representatives.

"Can what is in effect change? Of course it can as long as the law has to be proposed by the government, in this case the president or the initiative of members of the DPR, or together," said Riza.

However, Riza assessed that it does not mean that regional heads or other parties can request an extension of the position on their own interests.

"So, all of that goes back to the president to the DPR as well as other regulations according to his authority. You can't ask for a position. For me, I'm firm. Those who ask for positions don't get elected, don't get appointed," he said.

"So, once again, I, Ariza Patria, have never asked for an extension until 2024 because I know the rules," he added.

As is known, there are 101 regional heads at the district, city and provincial levels whose terms of office expire in 2022, including the Governor and Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta.

To fill vacancies, the Ministry of Home Affairs will place an acting regional head who can be filled from ASN, TNI, and Polri until a new regional head is elected in the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada.