Constitutional Court Decisions That Split Simultaneous Elections

The Constitutional Court decided that national elections were separated from regional elections. (Between)

Hundreds of lives were lost in the simultaneous elections in 2029 and 2024. That is the price that we have never calculated honestly. The Constitutional Court finally decided that the National Election and Regional Elections would be separated from 2029. Decision Number 135 / PUU-XXII / 2024 immediately shook the party elite.

The chairman of the North Kalimantan Golkar DPD, La Ode Muh Taufik, considered the decision confusing. The party was forced to adapt in a short time. PKS is tougher. Their spokesman, M Kholid, accused the Constitutional Court of taking over the role of legislators.

But let's see the facts. Simultaneous elections turned out to be very expensive. The cost of swelling. Life is lost.

The 2019 election recorded a dark record. A total of 894 officers died. The election cost exceeded IDR 25.59 trillion, up 61 percent compared to the 2014 election.

The 2024 election is no better. There were 181 officers who died and more than 13,000 others fell ill. The budget also skyrocketed to Rp71.3 trillion. All for one day of simultaneous election.

In fact, Simultaneous Elections are efficient engineering that forces the state to bear the burden beyond its ability. Elections turn into logistical monsters. Counting votes takes a long time. TPS officers are exhausted. Voters are confused by five ballots at once.

The latest Constitutional Court decision forces the state to prepare two separate elections. The National Election will elect the president, DPR, and DPD. Regional elections will elect governors, regents, mayors, and DPRD. The Constitutional Court calls the transition scheme a key to success.

Many have doubts. The regional election schedule can go far. There is a discourse that local elections will be held two years after the national election. This means that the people will continue to live in an atmosphere of campaign that has never been extinguished. Democracy turns into a contest stage without a break.

But if the separation of elections could save hundreds of lives, what exactly is more important? Low cost or human safety?

There is no perfect democracy. But a healthy democracy must side with the safety of officers and the readiness of voters. Not just a false record of participation and efficiency.

This Constitutional Court decision is a test for politicians. Are they ready to reorganize how to compete? Do they dare to stop making elections a logistics show?

In the end, this decision is not just a step back. But go home. Go home to a more humane sense of democracy.

Because elections shouldn't be the stage of death. But a room to choose a future without in vain blood. Maybe it's a different story if elections can be done digitally or online. That's why, this Constitutional Court decision, although controversial, deserves respect.