Independent Report – The re-run of voting (PSU) for the 2024 regional elections in 24 regions across Indonesia faces financial challenges. The Constitutional Court (MK) has decided to hold PSU due to various issues in previous elections, particularly related to the verification of regional head candidates.
The MK’s decision highlights the poor performance of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu). Inaccurate verification by KPU and inadequate oversight by Bawaslu are the primary causes for the need for a PSU.
As a result, several regions now face additional burdens, including the cost of conducting PSU. However, not all regions have sufficient financial resources to fund the event. This situation raises significant concerns about the readiness of election management in the future.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri). Only a few regions can finance the PSU for the 2024 regional elections from their local budgets (APBD).
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk, revealed the surprising fact during a working meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission II.
“First, the regions that are able to implement the PSU or have the funds are about 8 regions,” Ribka said.
These eight regions are Bungo Regency, West Bangka Regency, North Barito Regency, Magetan Regency, Mahakam Ulu Regency. Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Siak Regency, and Banggai Regency. They can cover the PSU costs from their own regional budgets.
On the other hand, 16 other regions have admitted that they cannot afford to finance the PSU from their local budgets. These regions are forced to rely on financial aid from the state budget (APBN).
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Ribka Haluk detailed these 16 regions: Papua Province, Talaud Islands Regency, Buru Regency, Taliabu Island Regency. Pasaman Regency, Empat Lawang Regency, Pesawaran Regency, South Bengkulu Regency, Serang Regency, Tasikmalaya Regency, Boven Digoel Regency. North Gorontalo Regency, Parigi Moutong Regency, Banjarbaru City, Palopo City, and Sabang City.
This disparity in financial capabilities between regions in handling the 2024 PSU illustrates the challenge of ensuring equal distribution of resources. This is a significant issue for the central government, which must address the imbalance in financial capacities among local governments.
In response to this problem, the Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed several measures to address the lack of funding for the 2024 regional election re-runs.
Kemendagri has asked local governments (Pemda) to increase their budget allocations to meet the funding needs for PSU. Intensive coordination with Pemda and KPU has been carried out.
Additionally, Kemendagri has suggested that local governments include the budget for PSU in the state budget (APBN) for 2025. This suggestion is in line with the Presidential Instruction No. 1/2025 on Efficiency of Expenditures in the implementation of the APBN and APBD for 2025.
The 2024 regional election PSU not only impacts the financial situation of the regions but also affects other aspects.
The PSU process leads to delays in the inauguration of elected regional heads. Which could hinder development programs in the affected areas. Moreover, the PSU may create public doubt regarding the credibility of the election process and the integrity of the organizers, KPU and Bawaslu.
The PSU for the 2024 regional elections marks an important moment to assess and improve the election management system in Indonesia.
Reforming the candidate verification system, enhancing supervision, and improving human resources in KPU and Bawaslu are crucial for the future.
It is hoped that this PSU can serve as a valuable lesson to improve the quality of future regional elections. Making them more transparent, accountable, and credible.
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