KPU Affirms Dismissal of Chief Hasyim Asy'ari Won't Disrupt Regional Elections

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Elections Commission (KPU) has assured the public that the dismissal of its chairman, Hasyim Asy'ari, will not impact this year’s simultaneous regional elections (Pilkada).

The Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) removed Hasyim from his position due to a proven case of sexual harassment.

“The stages of Pilkada will proceed according to KPU technical policies, and the KPU commissioners remain focused on organizing the Pilkada,” KPU Commissioner Idham Kholik told Tempo on Thursday, July 4.

Idham clarified that the DKPP's decision solely concerns Hasyim as an individual. He cited Chapter III of DKPP Regulation Number 2 of 2017, which emphasizes "act and behave," signifying individual accountability.

The Presidential Palace also said that Hasyim's dismissal would not affect the Pilkada timetable. “The government assures the Simultaneous Pilkada will proceed as planned,” Coordinator of the President's Special Staff Ari Dwipayana told Tempo via a text message on Wednesday, July 3.

Ari mentioned that there are established procedures to deal with temporary vacancies within the KPU.

As widely reported, the 2024 Pilkada will take place on November 27. Vote counting and recapitulation are scheduled between November 27 and December 16, 2024. Assuming no legal disputes arise in the Constitutional Court, the inauguration of the elected regional heads is expected in January 2025.

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA | DANIEL A. FAJRI

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