The Center for the Study of Democracy, the Constitution, and Human Rights (PANDEKHA) at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, in collaboration with the General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu RI), held a discussion on the theme “Toward the 2024 Elections: Raising Awareness of Participatory Election Oversight.” The discussion featured Mr. Puadi, S.Pd., M.M., a member of the Indonesian Election Supervisory Agency, as the guest speaker. The event took place in Room B.5.2 of the UGM Faculty of Law and was attended by 50 participants, including undergraduate and graduate students. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Yance Arizona, S.H., M.H., M.A., Chair of PANDEKHA at the UGM Faculty of Law.
In his presentation, Mr. Puadi, S.Pd., M.M. (a Bawaslu official) pointed out that the General Elections Commission (KPU) is often mistakenly regarded as the sole election organizer. In fact, the election administration consists of the KPU, Bawaslu, and DKPP (Honorary Council for Election Administrators). Each of these election administration bodies has duties, authorities, and obligations as stipulated in Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Elections.
Bawaslu, as the body responsible for overseeing elections, not only plays a strategic role in ensuring the conduct of elections but also in ensuring that electoral justice is upheld in accordance with the principles of election administration. This is also crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16 on Justice, Peace, and Strengthening Institutions. In this context, it refers to democratic institutions in the conduct of elections.
Puadi, S.Pd., M.M., noted that there are several issues posing challenges to improving the quality of our democracy, including: the public will be faced with prospective legislative candidates who are former convicts, who are permitted to run in elections provided they have disclosed this information to the media. Higher education institutions were previously prohibited from being used as campaign venues under Article 280(1)(h) of the Election Law; however, a recent Constitutional Court Decision No. 65/PUU-XXI/2023 now permits campaigning on college campuses. This is permitted provided permission is obtained from the local facility management and campaign paraphernalia is not brought onto the premises. However, this also poses a challenge regarding how campuses will be utilized as campaign venues.
In his presentation, Puadi, S.Pd., M.M., also urged the DIY Provincial Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) to consistently involve college students as polling station supervisors. Student participation is important not only as voters but also as stakeholders who will help oversee the election process. Bawaslu is collaborating with several universities to conduct participatory election oversight.
Dr. Bachtiar Baetal, an expert advisor to the National Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu RI), also participated in this discussion. Dr. Bachtiar stated that Bawaslu has formed a task force to monitor various election-related issues, and that such oversight must be conducted fairly and impartially. Bawaslu upholds three key interests that must be safeguarded: first, the interest in constitutionality as a manifestation of the mandate of the 1945 Constitution; second, electoral legal policy, which involves ensuring that the General Elections Commission (KPU) carries out its duties honestly and fairly; and third, the interest in enhancing public trust in elections conducted in accordance with electoral principles. Support from various parties, particularly the academic community at universities, is essential to assist Bawaslu in carrying out its duties.
Author: Indah Amalia
