By: Chandra Budi Setyo
In an effort to strengthen the quality of democracy in Indonesia, the Constitutional Court (MK) and the General Election Supervisory Body of the Republic of Indonesia (Bawaslu RI) demonstrated solid synergy in facing the 2024 Election Results Dispute (PHPU) trial.
This strategic meeting, which was held on Tuesday, April 23 2024, in the Meeting Room, Floor 1, Building 1 of the Constitutional Court, not only reflects collaboration between institutions, but also confirms the commitment of both agencies in maintaining the integrity of a transparent and fair legislative election process.
During the meeting, various technical and procedural issues were discussed in depth, marking thorough preparation for the crucial stages in the PHPU process. This meeting was attended by important officials from both institutions.
From the Constitutional Court, there were Constitutional Court Registrar Muhidin, Head of the Legal and Administrative Bureau of the Registrar’s Office Fajar Laksono, Head of the Center for Case Research and Study and Library (Kapuslitka) Pan Mohamad Faiz, as well as Substitute Registrars Rizki Amelia and Syukri Asy’ari.
Meanwhile, the Bawaslu delegation was led by the Head of the Legal Bureau, Agung Indra Atmaja, accompanied by JF Legal Analysts Agnes Natasia and Syaugi Pratama, as well as Legal Executives Neneng Widasari and Kurniawan, Legal Division Experts. The presence of these high-ranking officials shows how serious the two institutions are in preparing for the 2024 legislative elections.
In this meeting, Constitutional Court Registrar Muhidin explained the importance of coordination regarding the mechanism for stages, activities and schedules for handling PHPU cases in the 2024 Legislative Election. He emphasized that each MK trial panel has unique characteristics that Bawaslu must understand and follow to ensure a smooth trial process.
According to him, although there are differences in the characteristics of each panel, there are general guidelines that can be used as a reference by all parties involved. Therefore, it is important for Bawaslu to provide detailed information about the technicalities of the trial that will be implemented.
Muhidin also explained that Bawaslu had followed the technical guidance provided by the Constitutional Court, which strengthened Bawaslu’s role as a provider of information in trials. With the trial process starting on April 29 2024, Bawaslu has received and recorded all requests in the Court’s E-BRPK, as well as delivered copies of the requests to the relevant parties. This is an important first step to ensure transparency and accountability in handling PHPU cases in the 2024 Legislative Election.
Bawaslu itself has received 297 applications submitted by political parties and individuals, which will then be uploaded to the MK website for further scrutiny. This process includes submitting a copy of the application to the parties, as well as holding a preliminary hearing and a hearing hearing answers from the Respondent, Related Parties, and Bawaslu.
Thus, Bawaslu has a crucial role in ensuring that all steps taken are carried out according to procedures and are transparent.
On the same occasion, the Head of the Bawaslu Legal Bureau, Agung Indra Atmaja, explained that his party had prepared all the necessary technical aspects, including the preparation of written evidence and other evidence.
This preparation includes all stages that need to be ensured that it runs well at the district and city levels. Bawaslu also confirmed the number of panels that will be involved in the Legislative PHPU session, which is important for determining the composition of Bawaslu members who will be involved in the three panels.
According to Agung, this legislative election is the one that receives the most dispute requests, so the available time must be maximized. He emphasized the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in handling this very large number of applications.
Therefore, thorough preparation and good coordination with the Constitutional Court are the main keys in ensuring that the trial process runs smoothly and meets the expectations of all parties.
This collaboration between the Constitutional Court and Bawaslu is a reflection of the commitment of both institutions in maintaining clean and transparent democracy in Indonesia. With strong synergy, they strive to answer challenges in the legislative election process, provide legal certainty, and guarantee the political rights of citizens.
It is important for the public to realize that this effort is part of a larger effort to maintain public confidence in the democratic process in the country.
In a broader context, this collaboration also shows how state institutions can work together to achieve a larger common goal, namely maintaining the integrity and quality of democracy.
The steps taken by the Constitutional Court and Bawaslu in facing the 2024 Legislative Election reflect their professionalism and commitment to ensuring that every vote is counted and respected, and every dispute is resolved fairly and transparently.
In this way, the public is expected to support the efforts made by the Constitutional Court and Bawaslu, and participate actively in maintaining the democratic process. Active and critical public participation will be an important pillar in realizing clean and fair elections.
Let us all join hands, support the ongoing process, and ensure that democracy in Indonesia remains strong and resilient to face all challenges.
*) Political Observer at the Indomedia Gala Institute
