KontraS Facilitates Public Concern over Regional Elections Bill

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Commission for the Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) and Urban Poor People Network have gathered supports for judicial review of Regional Elections Bill. “We facilitate public concerns and complaints,” said Krisbiantoro, Head of Legal and Human Rights Research Bureau at KontraS.

KontraS gathered support by asking copies of people’s ID card as a sign of approval in filing the judicial review to the Constitutional Court. Within the last two days, there have been over 1,000 ID cards.

Krisbiantoro estimated that the judicial review will be ready in three weeks. “KontraS is set to coordinate with all plaintiffs, including political parties, for the sake of judicial review complementary” he said.

Moroever, Regional Heads Organization will also file review. Yogyakarta Mayor Haryadi Suyuti has delivered his support to the organization. "We regret [the bill] because it is a drastic step back of democracy," he said.

Rejection towards the new legislation also appeared outside the nation. Indonesians abroad in Washington, United States, went on a march protesting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in Wiliard Hotel, where SBY and entourage spent the weekend, on Saturday.

EDWIN FAJERIAL | YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA | MUHAMMAD YUNUS | URSULA FLORENE SONIA | ANDRI EL FARUQI | RISANTI | RIKY FERDIANTO | TRI SUHARMAN