Posted in: Elections

The end of local elections?  Dynastic politics and the problem of democratic representation

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One criticism of direct pilkada is that they have contributed to a proliferation of political dynasties at the local level, and there is some truth in this. However, we doubt that transitioning from direct elections to appointment by the DPRDs is the solution to the problem of dynastic politics. In fact, we think it will only exacerbate it. 

Losing altitude: private jet scandal tarnishes KPU’s integrity

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A closer look at the private jet rental scandal reveals deeper concerns about the questionable professionalism of the electoral commission. Why did the KPU opt for an exclusive and luxurious aircraft like the Embraer Legacy 650?

Court’s strange elections ruling leaves Indonesia in constitutional Catch-22

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On 26 June 2025, the Constitutional Court issued another momentous decision – the Separate National and Local Elections case. Bucking its own trend of consolidating elections, the court decided to split up national and local elections.

A surprise victory for democracy? Why the Constitutional Court scrapped the presidential nominations threshold

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The Constitutional Court’s new ruling is a welcome respite amidst political doom and gloom in the country following the election of Presidential Prabowo Subianto last year, with many fearing he hopes to unravel Indonesia’s democratic system.

Talking Indonesia: regional elections

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In this week's episode, Dr Jacqui Baker chats with Dr Ian Wilson to assess what the regional elections round up tells us about how power is being reorganised in Indonesia today.

Election fatigue or elite shenanigans? Why fewer Indonesians went to polls to elect their local leaders

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The old narrative that elections are a "people's festival"–a manifestation of the people's political sovereignty–now rings hollow to many Indonesians, especially in Jakarta. Local elections have become a political game only the elite can play, leaving voters out in the cold.

A victory for Jokowi and dynastic politics? Experts weigh in on Indonesia’s 2024 regional elections

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As the dust settles on the electoral contestations, we ask experts for their initial assessments of different aspects of the elections.

Indonesian regional elections: What you need to know

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Indonesian voters will go to the polls on Wednesday to elect their local leaders in their first-ever nationwide simultaneous regional elections (pilkada). The upcoming electoral contests will mark the end of a busy election year, with a new president and lawmakers sworn in a few weeks ago.

One-horse races in regional elections: another grim symptom of Indonesia’s ailing democracy

On 27 November 2024, Indonesia will hold simultaneous regional elections (pilkada) in 545 provinces, regencies and municipalities. This is a massive electoral process that, at a glance, suggests Indonesia’s democracy remains vibrant. However, a closer look into the individual races offers a grimmer picture.

Indonesia at Melbourne is supported by:

Melbourne Law School Asia Institute Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society Indonesia Forum Faculty of Arts Indonesia Democracy Hallmark Research Initiative

Indonesia at Melbourne

Room 726, Level 7, 185 Pelham St,
The University of Melbourne
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Phone: +61 3 83448581

Email:  indo-at-melb@unimelb.edu.au

Date created: 1 July 2015

Editor: Ary Hermawan

Editorial board: 
Professor Tim Lindsey
Dr Tim Mann
Aron Corbett

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated.

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