Jakarta – The Constitutional Court (MK) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the trial process for the 2024 Pilkada results dispute runs without any conflict of interest. The first trial will begin on January 8, 2025, with the number of registered lawsuits reaching 309 cases. Meanwhile, the pronouncement of the verdict or final decision will be carried out on March 7–11, 2025.
Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of the Constitutional Court, Pan Mohammad Faiz, emphasized that the potential for conflicts of interest is anticipated with various steps, one of which is the regulation so that judges do not handle cases from their birth area.
“For example, judges will not handle regional election disputes originating from their own regions,” said Faiz.
The Constitutional Court has divided the composition of the panel of judges into three panels, each consisting of three constitutional judges, to ensure the smoothness and proportionality of case handling. This method allows the Constitutional Court to try 309 disputed cases within a time limit of 45 working days, in accordance with Constitutional Court Regulation Number 14 of 2024. These panels will examine cases in parallel to avoid delays in resolution.
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitutional Court’s decision.
“Whatever the Court’s decision is, it must be respected and obeyed because it is final and binding,” said Yusril.
Yusril explained that the government would not interfere in the dispute resolution process. However, if needed, the government is ready to provide relevant information through coordination with various related agencies.
“We will hear the arguments of the applicants and provide fair information in accordance with the Constitutional Court’s request,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Yusril reminded that the Constitutional Court’s decision, including the possibility of repeat elections in several regions, must be accepted by all parties.
“If the Constitutional Court decides that there are structured, systematic, and massive (TSM) violations, we will accept and implement the decision. We will maintain the unity and integrity of the nation by respecting the results of the Constitutional Court’s decision. Together, we will build a better Indonesia,” he added.
During the New Year celebration at the Big Roundabout in Palangka Raya City, the Governor of Central Kalimantan, Sugianto Sabran, appealed to the public to accept the results of the Constitutional Court’s decision with an open heart in order to maintain unity and asked all regional head candidates to accept the Constitutional Court’s decision.
“Respect the decision, don’t be colored by the commotion. Cherish the development that we have achieved together,” said Sugianto.
Sugianto emphasized that the elected leader is a representation of the will of the people who will continue development. He also invited the public to leave behind the divisions caused by the political year and unite in supporting the elected leader.
“There is no longer team A or team B. What exists is a leader who will bring Central Kalimantan forward,” he said.
For information, as many as 309 cases of disputes over the 2024 Pilkada have been registered at the Constitutional Court, consisting of 23 cases related to the gubernatorial election, 237 related to the regent election, and 49 related to the mayoral election.
With various efforts made by the Constitutional Court, the government, and regional heads, it is hoped that the entire 2024 Pilkada dispute process can run peacefully and with dignity. All parties, both election participants, supporters, and the general public, are urged to respect the legal process and prioritize the interests of the nation.
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