Women's Representatives In KPU-Bawaslu Because Of Their Quality

Siti Zuhro/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Researcher from the Political Research Center of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Siti Zuhro said that women's representatives in the KPU and Bawaslu show their qualities as election organizers.

"I totally disagree, if it is said that only one woman enters and that is a woman's representative," said Siti, when contacted in Jakarta, Monday, February 21.

Siti emphasized that women's representatives in election management institutions are not just women's representatives or gender equality, but they have really proven they have qualifications and a good track record.

"Please distinguish between the demands of women's representatives and women who meet the qualifications," said Siti.

Siti, who was once on the selection team for election organizers, said that she had never compared women and men. According to her, if women are not worthy as organizers, why should they be chosen.

"Being an election organizer is no joke, it must require qualifications," she said.

Regarding the election of Betty Epsilon Idroos in the first place as a candidate for KPU commissioner, Siti admitted that her qualifications and track record were very good when she was the Chair of the DKI Jakarta KPU.

"As the chairman of the selection committee at that time, I knew Betty's quality and competence and views, her track record was quite good and did not compromise," said Siti affirmed.

Previously, the DPR RI Plenary Meeting approved seven candidates for members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and five candidates for members of the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for terms of office from 2022 to 2027.

One female representative in the KPU, Betty Epsilon Idroos, was in the first place, and one female representative in Bawaslu, Lolly Suhenty, was also in the first place.

Based on the rankings by Commission II of the DPR, the seven candidates for KPU RI members are Betty Epsilon Idroos, Hasyim Asy'ari, Mochammad Afifuddin, Parsadaan Harahap, Yulianto Sudrajat, Idham Holik, and August Mellaz.

The five candidates for Bawaslu are Lolly Suhenty, Puadi, Rahmad Bagja, Totok Hariyono, and Herwyn Jefler Hielsa Malonda.