PDIP Confident It Is Not Alone in Rejecting the DPRD-led Pilkada

Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto at the PDIP National Congress at the Beach City International Stadium, Ancol, North Jakarta, quoted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto, his party will not alone reject the discussion of regional head elections (pilkada) through the DPRD. The recommendations of the results of the 2026 PDIP National Conference will certainly be discussed with many parties, for example between factions in the DPR RI.

"This is still a discussion and on the basis of that discussion, the meeting of the regional executive board conveyed its attitude. We are also intensively dialoguing with the leaders of the factions, with political parties," Hasto told reporters at the Beach City International Stadium, Ancol, North Jakarta, quoted Tuesday, January 13.

"Because basically all ideas are for Indonesia. For the people," he continued.

In line with Hasto, Chairman of the PDIP DPP Andreas Hugo Pareira also said that the dialogue would be carried out in parliament. "There are data, there are arguments, and it is healthy in democracy. So we are together communicating the results of this regional conference also with factions, with other cadres," he said at the same location.

As previously reported, PDIP has issued an external recommendation from the 2026 I National Congress. The party founded by Megawati Soekarnoputri emphasized the importance of regional heads being directly elected by the people.

"The first National Congress of the Party emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty of the people to determine their leaders through the implementation of direct elections to strengthen the legitimacy and certainty of a fixed term of five years," said the Chairman of the PDIP DPD Aceh Province, Jamaluddin Idham, when reading the points of recommendation at the Beach City International Stadium (BCIS), Jakarta, Monday, January 12.

Instead of being chosen by the DPRD, PDIP recommends transforming the voting system and strengthening the integrity of the organizer. So, the quality of democracy can continue to be maintained.

"The first National Congress of the Party encourages the implementation of low-cost elections, including implementing e-voting, enforcing laws for electoral violations such as money politics, and preventing the financing of candidate recommendations or political dowry," said Jamaluddin.

Apart from the issue of financing, the points of recommendation also emphasize the importance of limiting campaign costs and the professionalism of election organizers. Jamaluddin said that a clean pilkada system would produce leaders who were truly dedicated to the welfare of the people, not for capital supporters.

"Every stage of the election must ensure that sovereignty is in the hands of the people, not in the hands of capital power. With strict enforcement of the law against money politics, we maintain the integrity of our democracy," he said.