By: Gilang Wahyuda )*
The implementation of a revote (PSU) in regional elections is not merely a technical adjustment to procedural errors. More than that, this step reflects the state’s serious commitment to maintaining the quality of democracy and strengthening the legitimacy of regional election results. The state’s presence at every stage of the revote signifies that the democratic process in Indonesia is increasingly oriented towards justice and openness.
General Elections Commission (KPU) Commissioner August Mellaz assessed that the high level of public participation in the revote was a key indicator that the process was conducted legitimately and supported by the people. He emphasized that voter involvement in the revote confirmed the public’s understanding of the importance of individual votes in determining the future of a region. With active voter participation, the election results became more representative of the will of the people.
According to August, the implementation of the revote openly and in accordance with regulations demonstrates the election organizers’ commitment to ensuring the integrity of the election results. This demonstrates that every vote is not only counted administratively but also valued as part of the government’s moral legitimacy. In this context, the revote should not be viewed as an additional burden, but rather as a democratic mechanism that ensures equality and justice.
Support for this measure also came from the central government. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, stated that the government would ensure that all stages of the 2025 re-election and regional elections would proceed safely, orderly, and in accordance with legal provisions. He emphasized that the government’s presence not only guarantees security but also safeguards the legitimacy of the democratic process itself. The state, through various institutions, provides full protection for citizens’ voting rights and ensures that there is no interference that could undermine the democratic process.
Budi Gunawan believes that the success of the revote will not only determine who wins but also reflect the maturity of Indonesian democracy. The government views this re-election as proof that election disputes can be resolved through legal mechanisms, rather than through mass pressure or anarchic actions. This approach demonstrates that Indonesia’s democratic system has healthy and legally valid room for correction.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Lambung Mangkurat University academic, Prof. Bachruddin Ali Akhmad, who believes that a revote has corrective value for the local political process. He emphasized that the often narrow margins of victory in revotes demonstrate the importance of every vote. He argued that a revote is not only a procedural solution but also a moral path to restoring public trust in the election results.
Prof. Bachruddin added that a repeat election provides dual legitimacy for elected regional heads. Legality is achieved through meeting formal election requirements, while social legitimacy stems from public acceptance of a transparent process. He believes that regional heads elected through a repeat election will have a strong political footing due to having gone through a more rigorous and open democratic process.
In the context of government stability, a re-election (PSU) serves a strategic role. Election results obtained through a re-election process are more difficult to challenge because they have undergone multiple levels of testing, including correction by the Constitutional Court. This will strengthen the transition of power and minimize prolonged conflict at the local level. Such a process is crucial to prevent political polarization that could hamper development.
Furthermore, the implementation of the revote demonstrates that Indonesian democracy is not stagnant. Instead, by opening up space for improvement and reform through legal channels, the national democratic system has become more inclusive and resilient. The continued high level of public engagement in the revote demonstrates that Indonesian society has matured in its democracy and is capable of resisting provocations that could lead to violence or disinformation.
The revote also serves as a moment of reflection for election organizers. Every incident that triggers a revote serves as a basis for evaluation to improve the quality of future elections. The General Elections Commission (KPU) and related institutions are required to further enhance training, logistical accuracy, and risk mitigation at every stage of the election. This is crucial to ensure that a revote is only a last resort when serious procedural violations occur.
The government also views the revote as a form of support for the people’s constitutional rights. In a healthy democracy, every citizen’s voice must be guaranteed and respected. The revote demonstrates that the state will not allow election results to be determined by flawed or manipulative procedures. Instead, the state is present to ensure that all processes proceed within the bounds of law and democratic ethics.
Thus, the revote not only corrects errors but also strengthens the foundations of democracy. Each stage of this process creates a space for the public to assess whether Indonesian democracy still possesses integrity. Regional heads elected through this process will also carry stronger legitimacy, both legally and socially, which is essential for building a stable, effective, and publicly trusted regional government.
)* National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum
