Indirect regional head elections worth considering: Law Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas underscored the need to consider and study the discourse on electing regional leaders through members of local representative councils (DPRD).

The discourse was brought up by President Prabowo Subianto and Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, at a commemorative event of the party's 60th anniversary in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday (December 12).

"I think that is a good discourse that is worth considering. Note that the 1945 Constitution and General Election Law simply mandate the nation to elect regional heads democratically. A democratic election is not necessarily a direct one," he remarked in Jakarta on Friday.

Baca juga: Minister highlights collaboration to tackle violence against women

Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace, Agtas observed that the indirect election discourse had surfaced due to the need to pursue a higher level of efficiency and safety during the implementation of an election.

"The president responded to the discourse proposed by the Golkar chairman. However, this proposal is nothing new among political parties, and based on my observation, it is well received by members of the public," he assessed.

Furthermore, he affirmed that the implementation of an indirect election would not be a setback for Indonesia, as he believes such an election might prove more practical.

"If (direct) regional head elections lead to turmoil, budget inefficiency, and underwhelming results, we need to conduct an in-depth study (of an indirect election)," he remarked.

On that note, the minister called on members of the public to allow the government and political parties to contemplate the discourse deeply.

"We still have much time, given the next cycle of regional head elections will occur in 2029," he concluded.