Constitutional Court Ruling XXIV/2026, which imposes a strict penalty of disqualification on political parties in a given electoral district if they fail to meet the minimum requirement of 30 percent female representation on their lists of prospective legislative candidates, marks a significant milestone in the history of Indonesian democracy. This ruling not only demonstrates a commitment to more inclusive politics but also opens up a broader space for discussion on how the electoral system, political parties, and regulations can function more effectively to strengthen women’s representation—a group that has long faced various barriers in politics.
This fourth edition of the Perludem Bulletin is published amid intensifying debates on the direction of electoral reform ahead of discussions on revising the Election Law. In addition to analyzing the significance and implications of the Constitutional Court’s ruling regarding women’s representation, we also present various developments in civil society’s advocacy for electoral reform, ranging from public discussions and dialogues with academics to a joint hearing with the Constitutional Court. These activities demonstrate that the agenda for reforming the electoral system requires broad public engagement so that it is not determined solely by short-term political interests.
In this issue, readers can also explore various ideas regarding the design of a more democratic and representative electoral system, including discussions on alternative electoral systems, the importance of transparency in deliberations on revising the Election Law, and the need for a more participatory legislative process. On the other hand, we highlight an equally important issue: efforts to create a safe political space through the development of guidelines for preventing and addressing sexual violence within political parties. This issue is an integral part of efforts to strengthen the quality of democracy and ensure that women’s political participation takes place free from discrimination and violence.
Through this newsletter, we hope readers will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the various challenges and opportunities facing Indonesia’s democratic reform today. After all, an inclusive democracy requires not only sound regulations but also a shared commitment to ensuring that every citizen has equal opportunities to participate, be represented, and receive protection in political life.
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