The Home Ministry is gearing up to replace interim regional heads, including acting governors, aiming to contest the 2024 regional head elections in a bid to ensure they are fair and accountable.

Experts, however, believe the plan contravenes the 2016 Regional Elections Law and may lead to a further setback for Indonesian democracy.

During a meeting with House of Representatives Commission I overseeing home affairs on Monday, Home Minister Tito Karnavian said the government would not hinder acting governors from running in November, emphasizing that they must resign from their current positions to register their candidacies.

“We have already said that most likely, [aspiring interim heads would be replaced] in mid-July,” Tito told the meeting.

He added that the interim heads should be replaced to avoid their resorting to the unfair practice of using state facilities during their campaigning.

The ministry has issued a letter to all acting governors nationwide that instructs them to notify it immediately if they intend to contest the regional heads elections, as the government would need around a month to prepare their temporary replacements.

Finding a suitable replacement would not be easy, Tito told the meeting: “We have to send letters again to the relevant regional legislative councils [DPRDs], governors or acting governors, requesting them to propose potential names,” which the ministry must then vet.

Popular

Trade barriers won’t protect us

Indonesia launches first EV battery plant

Jokowi 'still evaluating' Budi Arie's response to cyberattack