Elections Are No Longer Simultaneous, West Java DPRD Is Ready To Face A Transition Period

Deputy Chairperson Of The West Java Provincial DPRD, Iwan Suryawan (ANTARA)

BANDUNG Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Iwan Suryawan, stated that he accepted and respected the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the change in the schedule for the General Election (Pemilu) and Regional Head Election (Pilkada). He considered the decision to be part of the dynamics of democracy that continues to develop in Indonesia.

According to Iwan, the Constitutional Court's decision is based on an in-depth evaluation and analysis of the implementation of the 2024 simultaneous elections which are considered to be draining and resources. He emphasized the importance of responding positively to the decision for the advancement of the national election system in the future.

"We must respect the Constitutional Court's decision as a form of state of law. But of course, this decision needs to be followed up by the DPR RI by making changes to the Law on Election Implementation," said Iwan, Monday, June 30, 2025.

This Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician said the change in the election schedule would have an impact on a number of aspects, including the possibility of extending the term of office of provincial and district/city DPRD members, as well as the appointment of regional head officials to regional elections.

"Things like this must be regulated clearly and firmly in the rule of law so as not to cause anxiety in the regions. Do not let a legal vacuum appear or overlap the authority," he said.

Iwan assessed that the separation of schedules between national and regional elections could provide wider space for political parties in preparing cadres and strategies. According to him, the previous simultaneous contestation burden was very heavy and tiring.

"Political parties are given the opportunity to exercise, prepare human resources, and conduct better consolidation. This is a positive thing," he said.

In addition, the time lag between elections is also considered to open wider space for political education to the public. Iwan hopes that the quality of voter participation can increase over longer socialization times.

However, he also reminded that budget efficiency needs to be a serious consideration. "Indeed, there is the potential to improve the quality of democracy, but we also need to review its impact on the state budget. This must be thoroughly studied," he said.

For this reason, Iwan encouraged the central government and the Indonesian House of Representatives to immediately draw up new implementing regulations that were able to answer various dynamics after the Constitutional Court's decision. He emphasized the importance of legal certainty during the transition period.

"Legal certainty is needed so that there is no confusion, both among the organizers, election participants, and the community," he said.

Regarding regional readiness, Iwan emphasized that the West Java DPRD is ready to adjust to all changes in regulations and institutional structures set by the central government. He also emphasized the importance of inter-institutional coordination so that the implementation of national policies in the regions runs optimally.

"We in the regions certainly follow the direction of the center. But we also hope that there will be good consultation and coordination rooms," he added.

According to Iwan, the time lag for the next election must also be used as a moment of reflection and improvement. He emphasized that democracy is not just a technical issue of voting, but also concerns the nation's mental and intellectual readiness.

"Democracy is not just a matter of winning and losing. This is a matter of building a mature and ethical political civilization. With this pause, let's fix what is still lacking," he said.

He considered that the Constitutional Court's decision could be the starting point for the overall improvement of the political system. Despite bringing challenges, he believes that if addressed wisely, this decision could actually be a positive momentum in the long-term development of democracy.

"In every change, there must be challenges. But if it is handled wisely and comprehensively, this decision can be a positive momentum," he concluded.