Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Inauguration of KPU and Bawaslu Members, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, April 12, 2022

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Today I just inaugurated members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) for the period of 2022-2027.  I hope the newly-inaugurated KPU and Bawaslu members to immediately start working, ‘step on the gas’, coordinate with the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Government to carry out the duties and authorities in preparing the national, regional elections (simultaneous elections), in accordance with the stages that have been set, in 2024.

The initial stage of election starts on June 14, 2022. This is important as it will become the first elections to simultaneously vote for the President and Vice President, Legislative Members, and Regional Heads within the same year. Thus, the KPU and the Bawaslu should prepare it properly in order to maintain Indonesia’s quality of democracy.

I also urge the KPU to increase political education to the public. Do not let the people be provoked by issues of identity politics. We have to call on the public to greatly welcome the incoming elections as the people’s democratic fiesta.

The Government will give fully support to the KPU and the Bawaslu for the duties, especially budget support through the State Budget and Regional Budget and other technical preparations needed by the KPU and the Bawaslu.

That concludes my remarks.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(EST/MUR)