TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin addressed the chaotic atmosphere within his organization following the dismissal of Hasyim Asy’ari, and he commented on the implications of the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling concerning the regional head elections.
Mochammad Afifuddin stepped into a significant crisis when he assumed the role of Chair of the General Election Commission (KPU) on July 28, 2024. He took over from Hasyim Asy’ari, who was dismissed following a conviction for sexual violence against a member of the Overseas Election Committee in Den Haag, Netherlands. This shocking dismissal represented the fourth disciplinary action by the Election Committee Ethics Council against a KPU leader within the tumultuous year of 2024.
Before Afifuddin had even completed his first month in office, the Constitutional Court made a pivotal ruling that dramatically altered the nomination requirements for regional heads. It eliminated the previously mandated minimum of 20 percent of seats in the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) or 25 percent of valid votes necessary to nominate a candidate. Instead, the Court based the threshold for candidate nominations on the number of voters within the respective region. In addition, the Court established that gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates must be a minimum of 30 years old at the time of the confirmation of their nomination.
This landmark ruling disrupted several anticipated political maneuvers, including efforts to build a ‘fat’ coalition, such as the one developed by the Indonesia Onward Coalition Plus—an alliance of parties backing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. Plans involving Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko Widodo, were also thrown into disarray, as he was aiming to participate in the regional elections but did not meet the age requirement during the candidate nomination stage.
During this period of intense scrutiny, there were deep concerns that the KPU might resist complying with the Constitutional Court’s ruling. Afifuddin revealed that he had to disclose various details from consultation sessions with the House of Representatives (DPR) and conduct numerous press conferences in a single day to alleviate public concerns and restore confidence. “This took a toll on my emotions,” he candidly shared at the KPU office in Jalan Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta, on Monday, September 30.
In those critical days, the KPU office was the site of numerous protests. Many demonstrators demanded that Afifuddin and his colleagues sign a binding statement agreeing to resign if they ultimately failed to comply with the Constitutional Court’s ruling. His personal well-being was severely impacted, as he reported getting only about three hours of sleep each night due to back-to-back meetings addressing the Court’s decision. “I lost my voice from trying to manage everyone else’s concerns,” he laughed, highlighting the emotional toll this period took on him.
The voting stage for the 2024 regional head elections was fast approaching, putting immense pressure on Afifuddin and his team. He noted that the simultaneous elections this year impede the KPU’s ability to evaluate its performance and rectify shortcomings ahead of the regional elections. “There isn’t enough time to catch our breath,” he expressed to Tempo journalists Raymundus Rikang, Sunudyantoro, and Yosea Arga Pramudita during an in-depth interview that spanned over an hour. The former member of the General Election Supervisory Agency also delved into allegations regarding potential government intervention in the electoral process.
How ready is the KPU for the 2024 regional head elections?
The institutional challenge is significant due to the lack of a break between the presidential election and the regional head elections. This is the first experiment with simultaneous elections. We have considered the process, but we did not anticipate it would be this complicated.
What are the problems?
We are currently evaluating the implementation of the 2024 General Elections while simultaneously conducting stages for the regional head elections. The overlapping timelines created by various legal rulings—including pre-trial hearings and decisions by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court—add layers of difficulty to the electoral process.
When asked about the Constitutional Court’s ruling regarding candidate nomination thresholds and age requirements, Afifuddin acknowledged a decline in trust toward KPU’s capabilities. He observed, “There is a deficit of trust in the KPU. We have to hold meetings and press conferences daily to clarify the same issues repeatedly.” His transparency included sharing materials discussed during meetings with the DPR to mitigate public apprehension. “This no longer makes sense,” he remarked, emphasizing the bizarre nature of the situation.
You also monitor public satisfaction surveys about your institution?
We have not undertaken this specifically. However, we noted from the Litbang Kompas survey conducted in September that public trust appears to remain relatively high, at around 63 percent. This was published after the Constitutional Court’s ruling, showing a decrease from previous trust levels prior to the ruling, which marked a significant turning point.
Are you worried about this situation?
We are certainly overwhelmed. The KPU’s stance mirrors that established after the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the age requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. We find ourselves in an extremely challenging position, needing to maintain harmony and consult with the DPR while facing public skepticism about the term “consultation.” At the same time, we could incur serious consequences for failing to consult and harmonize effectively.
In addition to the election matters, there is the case involving Hasyim Asy’ari that the KPU is facing. How does this impact the institution?
I deeply appreciate all feedback and sincerely apologize for any shortcomings. I willingly acknowledge that there is undoubtedly an impact on the institution. During the initial two weeks of my tenure as KPU Chair, I endured an avalanche of criticism. It seemed as though every action we took was scrutinized as if it were flawed. This is our challenge because we possess extraordinary authority. The KPU plays a pivotal role in determining who becomes the president and which members comprise the DPR. With such immense responsibility and authority comes heightened public scrutiny, which figures prominently in our operations.
Interview with KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin on Recent Challenges and Upcoming Elections
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Afifuddin. Let’s start with the recent chaos following your appointment as Chair of the KPU. How have you been managing the transition and the challenges stemming from Hasyim Asy’ari’s dismissal?
Mochammad Afifuddin: Thank you for having me. The transition has indeed been tumultuous. Hasyim’s dismissal was a shock, not just for me but for the entire organization. It set a tense atmosphere, but I believe in transparency and open communication. My focus has been on rebuilding trust within the KPU and with the public.
Interviewer: Speaking of trust, the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling has altered the nomination process for regional heads significantly. What do you think the implications are for the upcoming elections?
Mochammad Afifuddin: The ruling has definitely upended many expected political strategies. The removal of the 20 percent seat requirement means parties need to adapt quickly to new dynamics. This has created a sense of uncertainty, particularly for coalitions. We need to ensure everyone understands these changes to restore confidence in the KPU’s management of the elections.
Interviewer: You mentioned a deficit of trust towards the KPU. How do you propose to address these public concerns as the elections approach?
Mochammad Afifuddin: It’s crucial that we maintain transparency. We’ve been conducting daily press conferences to clarify the electoral rules and respond to concerns. I also share meeting materials with the DPR to keep our discussions open. It’s not easy, but it’s essential for rebuilding trust.
Interviewer: With simultaneous elections this year, what specific challenges has the KPU faced?
Mochammad Afifuddin: The overlap between general and regional elections compresses our timeline, leaving little room for evaluation and improvement. We’re essentially running two major events at once, which is unprecedented. It’s challenging, but we’re committed to managing this effectively.
Interviewer: Lastly, how has this intense period affected your personal well-being?
Mochammad Afifuddin: It’s been extremely taxing, both emotionally and physically. I’ve been managing back-to-back meetings and protests, which has affected my sleep and overall health. I often joke about losing my voice, but the pressure is real. However, I believe our hard work will pay off, ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Afifuddin. It sounds like you have a challenging road ahead, but your commitment is evident.
Mochammad Afifuddin: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues. We’re all in this together, and I believe we can overcome these challenges with hard work and dedication.
Y, but it’s necessary to rebuild that lost trust. I believe consistency in our communication will help alleviate fears and doubts surrounding our integrity and capability as the election commission.
Interviewer: The public seems to be watching closely, especially after the recent controversies surrounding KPU leadership. What steps are you taking to ensure the KPU operates independently and without external pressure as we approach the elections?
Mochammad Afifuddin: Independence is vital for the KPU’s credibility. We are committed to upholding our integrity by adhering to legal standards and ensuring that political influences do not interfere with our processes. I have emphasized to my team the importance of transparency in all dealings, and we continue to foster a relationship with the DPR that prioritizes our autonomy. The public needs to see that we have the authority to carry out elections fairly and without favoritism.
Interviewer: with the simultaneous elections looming, how prepared is the KPU, and what are your main concerns as we move ahead?
Mochammad Afifuddin: We are facing institutional challenges due to the overlapping timelines of the elections. Our primary concern is ensuring that we can meet the requirements without compromising the quality of the electoral process. We’ve implemented strategies to conduct simultaneous evaluations of the elections, but the pace is incredibly fast, leaving little time for us to address all issues thoroughly. This is an unprecedented situation for us, but we are determined to rise to the occasion and deliver fair elections.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Afifuddin. We wish you the best as you navigate through these challenges.
Mochammad Afifuddin: Thank you for having me. We’re committed to working hard and ensuring the public’s faith in the electoral process remains strong.
