Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Preparation for the 2024 Simultaneous General Elections and Regional Elections, Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, April 10, 2022

Bismillahirrahmnirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon,
May prosperity be upon us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This afternoon we will discuss in more detail matters related to preparation for the 2024 simultaneous general elections and regional elections.

First, we must inform the public that all stages and schedules for the implementation of the general elections and regional elections have been determined. It is clear that everyone is aware that the elections will be held on February 14, 2024. This explanation should be made to prevent speculation that the Government is trying to postpone the elections or speculation regarding the extension of the President’s term of office and regarding the three terms [of Presidency].

We have agreed that the elections will be held on February 14 and the regional elections will be held in November 2024.  Everything is clear. There should be an explanation that the stages of the elections will begin in June 2022, in mid-June 2022, in accordance with provisions of law, namely 20 months before the voting day.

Second, on April 12, 2022, the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the General Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for the 2022-2027 term of office will be inaugurated to immediately prepare for the 2024 simultaneous general elections and regional elections. To that end, we need to talk to the KPU and the Bawaslu regarding the preparation so that we can make thorough preparation for the simultaneous general elections and regional elections.

Third, it is important for us to speed up completing regulations for the 2024 simultaneous elections and regional elections. I have ordered Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs to work with the House of Representatives (DPR) and the KPU. The regulations need to be detailed to prevent multiple interpretations and dispute on the ground.

Fourth, we must immediately make a decision on the allocation of funds, both from the State Budget and regional budgets in the framework of preparation for the 2024 general elections and regional elections. Yesterday, I got the report that the estimated budget is Rp110.4 trillion for both the KPU and the Bawaslu. It is Rp76.6 trillion for the KPU and Rp33.8 trillion for the Bawaslu. Make it detailed, calculate it again, re-calculate it properly, do this for both the State Budget and regional budgets. Prepare it in stages.

Fifth, we must also be prepared to appoint ad interim governors, ad interim regents, and ad interim mayors. The vacant positions in 2022 will be available in 101 regions. There will be 7 Governors, 76 Regents, and 18 Mayors that must be appointed. I order the selections of these regional leaders be carried out in a proper manner so that we can have capable regional leaders with strong leadership and are able to carry out tough tasks in the midst of a difficult economic situation so that the preparation for the general elections and regional elections in 2024 will run smoothly.

That concludes my remarks. Prior to the political contest, the situation usually escalates. However, we must not let the public be provoked by unnecessary political interests. To that end, I also call for education – massive political education – for the public and I urge the contestants to avoid inappropriate political issues, especially on identity politics centered on ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations issues. We had unpleasant experiences during the previous elections. We hope this will not happen in 2024.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion.

(RI/EP)