Tools & Resources

This report is an analysis of newly proposed election laws in Indonesia.  The document details various voting methods, the selection of the number of seats in parliament and voter districts.    

 

From 30 March to 22 April, Taylor Nelson Sofres Indonesia, in cooperation with the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), conducted a national public opinion survey in Indonesia. The field work was conducted in 30 provinces, including Aceh and North Maluku. The 3,580 respondents came from rural and urban areas using a random sample method. The objective of the survey was to inform members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's consultative Assembly (MPR) about the perceptions, hopes and attitudes of the Indonesian people. The survey covered a number of current topics such as the performance of the Indonesian government and national leaders, the popularity of political parties, the electoral law reform process and regional autonomy. In general, this study showed an apparent increase in people's awareness of economic and political issues. Compared to the survey conducted in June 2001, a greater proportion of people were able to provide an answer to most of the questions. In other words, there was a significant decrease in "don't know" and "can't say" responses. What has contributed to this shift is difficult to say and one can only speculate. However, it does highlight that compared to 12 months ago more people hold an opinion on the issues raised in the survey.

-Legal and Constitutional Reform- IFES promotes legal and constitutional reform in Indonesia as part of an overall effort to encourage democracy in the region, working closely with key government agencies involved in drafting new electoral and political laws for the country. We have provided strategic advice and analysis to the drafting team within the Ministry of Home and Regional Affairs (MoHARA) and will continue to provide expert commentary to the parliamentary commission charged with review of the draft laws submitted by the government. We have also produced a report on voting systems that could work under the new electoral laws, including detailed analysis of possible voting districts using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. In June 2002, IFES co-sponsored a Political Party Reform Conference with the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. The conference was a working session for Indonesian political parties and broke ground on a number of innovative research projects in such areas as the influence of money in politics and the public’s opinion of Indonesian political parties. We presented a paper on electoral systems, such as open list proportional representation and multi-member district proportional representation, which could be used for the 2004 elections in Indonesia. IFES has taken the lead in addressing the issue of women’s representation in politics. In April 2002, we collaborated with an Indonesian NGO, GPSP, to develop an agenda for a nationwide training program and an action plan to increase women’s representation in local parliaments. The training program and action plan were presented at regional workshops where participants developed local strategies to address obstacles to women’s representation. -Election Administration- For four years IFES has provided technical advice to the Indonesian National Election Commission (KPU) and its Secretariat in such areas as electoral management, public relations, organizational structure and procurement policies. In May 2002, IFES embarked on a new initiative in the province of Aceh, participating in a seminar sponsored by the Center for Electoral Reform (CETRO) on the draft Qa’nun, or electoral law, for direct elections in the province. We made a presentation at the seminar on the timeframe required to prepare for such an important and complex election cycle. -Legislative Transparency- IFES is expanding efforts to increase legislative transparency, particularly at the local level. Through the use of an innovative program known as Local Consultative Forums (LCF), we have built strategic partnerships between local NGOs, community groups, businesses and government. The aim of the LCFs is to increase public awareness and input on issues of interest to the community and to coordinate the production of relevant radio and television programming for regional media. IFES began the program by producing and distributing an LCF handbook, which provides guidance in identifying community needs and methods for participation. We have then assisted local leaders to establish LCFs and facilitated the production of radio and television programs in conjunction with local government and civil society groups. IFES also works with the Indonesian parliament to provide citizens unfettered access to government institutions. In October 1999, we helped launch SWARA, a government affairs television channel based on C-SPAN in the United States. SWARA airs 24 hours per day and features live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings. Coverage has recently been expanded and enhanced through a number of original new shows, including interviews with the heads of factions, coverage of leadership activities, profiles of parliamentary members, and highlights of key debates and activities within the parliament. SWARA has also extended its coverage in key regions outside of Jakarta where provincial parliaments (DPRD) have requested SWARA programming. SWARA recently began to broadcast DPRD sessions from the troubled province of Aceh in an attempt to make the local government more transparent to the Acehnese people. SWARA also broadcasts DPRD sessions in East Java and Sulawesi. -National and Regional Surveys- IFES has played a lead role in the design, implementation and analysis of public opinion surveys in Indonesia since 1998. Under the auspices of the parliament, we conducted a national public opinion poll in 2002. The poll revealed public perceptions on a wide range of topics, including the performance of the Indonesian government and national leaders, the popularity of political parties, the electoral law reform process and regional autonomy. The results of the survey were presented to the two houses of parliament, their secretariats, the president and her cabinet. These surveys enable government institutions to develop policies that take into account the beliefs and aspirations of the Indonesian people. IFES also recently conducted a public opinion survey in the semi-autonomous region of West Papua in collaboration with eight Papuan research institutes and universities. The survey evaluated the knowledge, opinions, practices and attitudes of people living in West Papua, and the findings will be analyzed for opportunities to create a stable and peaceful society in this ethnically diverse province.

This report provides analysis of the current structures and institutions of election administration in Indonesia and offers recommendations for improving their performance. The report assesses operations of these administrative bodies in light of experience of June 1999 general elections and June 2000 changes to Indonesia’s election law. Comparative information regarding international practices and experiences in election administration is utilized to illustrate important points. However, the report recognizes the need for Indonesian practices to fit Indonesian cultural and political circumstances. Because the report’s focus is on core issues of organizational operations in election administration, many other important and related issues for electoral reform are not addressed. IFES is engaged in providing ongoing technical assistance to Indonesian officials and election experts in other areas, such as political finance regulation and complaint adjudication. Also, this report does not consider in detail several major issues that are still being debated in Indonesia, such as the method of electing the President, or whether to adopt a “single member constituency” rather than a proportional representation electoral system.

This report provides analysis of the current structures and institutions of election administration in Indonesia and offers recommendations for improving their performance. The report assesses operations of these administrative bodies in light of experience of June 1999 general elections and June 2000 changes to Indonesia’s election law. Comparative information regarding international practices and experiences in election administration is utilized to illustrate important points. However, the report recognizes the need for Indonesian practices to fit Indonesian cultural and political circumstances. Because the report’s focus is on core issues of organizational operations in election administration, many other important and related issues for electoral reform are not addressed. IFES is engaged in providing ongoing technical assistance to Indonesian officials and election experts in other areas, such as political finance regulation and complaint adjudication. Also, this report does not consider in detail several major issues that are still being debated in Indonesia, such as the method of electing the President, or whether to adopt a “single member constituency” rather than a proportional representation electoral system. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS I SCOPE OF REPORT II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY III INTRODUCTION A Election Circumstances B Election Administration 1. Legislative Framework 2. Administrative Arrangements 3. Operational Performance 4. Enforcement of Electoral Law 5. Reform of Election Administration IV ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN A DEMOCRACY A Principles B Elements V OVERVIEW OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN INDONESIA A Structure B Composition & Appointment C Duties & Powers D Secretariats 1. National Level 2. Provincial and Lower Levels VI STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF NATIONAL ELECTION COMMISSION (KPU) A Management Structures for the 1999 Elections 1. KPU Committees 2. KPU Secretariat B Lessons from the 1999 General Elections 1. Independence & Impartiality 2. Structure 3. Operations C Reorganization & Reform: 1. Recommendations 2. Powers, Responsibilities and Accountability a. Powers b. Role of PPI c. Responsibilities d. Accountability e. Remuneration 3. KPU Secretariat a. Secretary General b. Accountability of the Secretary General c. Relationship Between KPU and Secretary General d. Secretariat Staff Appointments and Conditions of Service 4. Organizational Structure of the KPU Secretariat 5. Priorities a. Timetable VII STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING ELECTION COMMITTEES A Lessons from the 1999 General Elections B Reorganization & Reform: Recommendations 1. Structure, Duties & Powers 2. Composition & Appointment a. Party Representation b. Organizational Requirements and Characteristics c. Secretariat 3. Coordination, Communication & Logistics a. Election Materials VIII GENERAL ISSUES OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION A Election Law 1. Timing of Election Law Review 2. Content of Election Law B Financial Autonomy & Accountability 1. Budgetary Planning 2. Source of KPU Funding 3. Responsibilities for Funding Elections 4. Financial Controls C Transparency and Integrity 1. Independence & Impartiality 2. Conduct of KPU & Election Committee Members & Staff 3. Open Access to KPU & Election Committee Activities & Information 4. Reporting and Accountability 5. External Auditing 6. International Linkages D Internal Management Improvement E Recruitment & Training 1. Recruitment of Secretariat Staff 2. Training and Professional Development 3. Training for External Organizations F Role of Political Parties 1. KPU, PPD-I & PPD-II Levels 2. PPS, PPK & KPPS Levels G Voter Registration H Vote Counting & Consolidation I Complaint Adjudication J Impact of Potential Change K Regional Autonomy IX CONCLUSION X SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS XI APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Summary of Main Features of National Election Management Bodies Appendix 2 – International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Code of Conduct for Ethical and Professional Administration of Elections Appendix 3 – Text of Amending Law No 4 of 2000 to Law No 3 Of 1999 on General Elections Appendix 4 – Current Members of the National Election Commission (KPU) Appendix 5 – National Election Commission (KPU) Secretariat Organizational Chart, 1999 Election Appendix 6 – Proposed New Organizational Chart for Secretariat of National Election Commission (KPU) Appendix 7 – Service Conditions of Election Management Body Secretariats

This report analyzes the Election Management Structure in Indonesia.  The report notes that pollworker training, ballot mistakes and lack of information sharing led to a mismanaged election.  The report offers several suggestions for future elections in Indonesia.    

The June 7 parliamentary election in Indonesia represented a decisive step forward in Indonesia’s transition from authoritarian rule to democratic governance. It resulted, for the first time in Indonesia’s history, in a peaceful transfer of power. However, the election did not represent a significant break from the past in terms of election administration. This election process was marked by administrative inefficiency, non-transparency, and a lack of accountability. While certainly a momentous step in Indonesia’s transition, the credibility of the process hinged on election day itself, which was considered successful due to a lack of violence and to the enthusiasm and patience of the voters. These factors alone do not make a successful election, and serious flaws in the process should be addressed before future elections... TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TERMS AND APPREVIATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I. INTRODUCTION II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND III. THE ELECTION LAW A. The Proportional System B. Elements of a Majority System C. The Structure of the National Election Commission (KPU) D. Political Parties E. Office of the Secretariat F. Election Campaign G. Political Finance H. Voting, Vote Counting, and Tabulation I. Complaint Adjudication IV. ELECTION ADMINISTRATION A. General Principles of Election Administration B. Operational Standards for Election Administration C. Structure of the National Election Commission (KPU) D. Structure of the Election Administration (Management) E. Technology Support F. Planning G. Regulations, Procedures, and Mechanics H. Materials I. Systems and Methods V. RECOMMENDATIONS A. The Legal Framework—The Law on General Elections B. The Election Administration VI. CONCLUSIONS VII. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: “Money Politics”: Regulation of Political Finance in Indonesia Attachment B: Election Material Distribution Attachment C: Projected and Actual Numbers of Polling Stations Attachment D: List of Forms Used for the 1999 General Election Attachment E: Forms Used for Polling and Counting (Forms C, C1, C3, C4, C5) Attachment F: Polling Station Counting Sheet (Form C2) Attachment G: Statements Related to the Consolidation of Results (Forms D, D1, D2, D3) Attachment H: Forms for Consolidation of Results for DPR, DPRD I, and DPRD II (Forms D41, D42, D43) Attachment I: Law Number 3 of 1999 on General Elections Attachment J: Law Number 2 of 1999 on Political Parties Attachment K: Structure of the Indonesian Election Administration Attachment L: Allocation of DPR Seats to Political Parties Attachment M: 1999 Ballot Sample

On June 7, 1999 Indonesia held parliamentary elections.  This report summarizes IFES observations from those elections and provides recommendations for better administration in future elections.