The administration of elections in Indonesia has become increasingly complex rather than more streamlined. Lawmakers have often followed a linear logic: as elections become more complex, the institutions responsible for managing and overseeing them must also expand. This reflects a conventional managerial approach—more tasks require more personnel, and more types of tasks require more specialized institutions.
This book presents the findings of a study on strengthening the Election Supervisory Body (Badan Pengawas Pemilu – Bawaslu), following concerns that it had not been fully effective in carrying out its oversight functions during the 2009 General Election. Law No. 15 of 2011 strengthened Bawaslu’s organizational structure by transforming temporary provincial election supervisory committees (Panwaslu Provinsi) into permanent Provincial Bawaslu offices. In addition, Law No. 8 of 2012 expanded Bawaslu’s mandate by granting it authority to resolve certain electoral disputes. Earlier, the Constitutional Court had affirmed Bawaslu’s status as an independent election management body, placing it on an equal institutional footing with the General Elections Commission (KPU).
With these reforms, many of the institutional requirements necessary for effective election oversight had been fulfilled: organizational strengthening, enhanced authority, and greater institutional independence. Consequently, Bawaslu and its regional offices were expected to prepare themselves thoroughly to ensure that their performance in overseeing the 2014 Elections would meet public expectations.
However, slogans and rhetoric alone are not enough. What matters most is the development and implementation of a comprehensive, practical, and effective oversight strategy. Strong performance would enable Bawaslu to respond convincingly to critics who questioned the necessity and effectiveness of the institution. By demonstrating tangible results, Bawaslu could reinforce public confidence in its role as a guardian of electoral integrity.
