Overview

The 2024 Indonesian Local Elections, known as Pemilihan Kepala Daerah (Pilkada), will be held on November 27, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia’s electoral history. For the first time, all regional leaders—across 548 regions, including 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities—will be elected on the same day. This synchronized election process stems from a 2016 law requiring all local elections to be held simultaneously, starting in 2024, and was officially confirmed by the Indonesian House of Representatives in January 2022.

As Indonesia’s largest regional election to date, the results will not only shape regional leadership for these powerful positions but will also provide insights into the future of President Prabowo Subianto’s programs and highlight potential national political figures.

2024 Indonesian Local Elections

The 2024 Indonesian Local Elections set for November 27, mark Indonesia’s first simultaneous regional vote across 548 regions—spanning 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities. Initiated by a 2016 law, this synchronized process was confirmed by the House of Representatives in 2022. As Indonesia’s largest regional election, the outcomes will influence regional governance and signal potential national leaders, as well as the likely success of President Prabowo Subianto’s programs. Notably, voters’ turnout has typically ranged from 70-80% in past regional elections.

Election Schedule

The 2024 local elections in Indonesia will unfold through a structured series of stages. Starting with candidate registration and confirmation, the timeline allocates ample time for campaigning in the lead-up to Election Day. Following the vote, an extended counting period will finalize results, marking the completion of Indonesia’s comprehensive local election process.

Election System

Key Electoral Issues and Challenges

Based on ANFREL’s analysis of the current electoral landscape, several issues and challenges stand out:

Indonesia: Global Ranking of Democratic Performance

As per International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy (GSOD) Indices, Indonesia’s democratic performance shows a varied landscape in 2023. The country ranks mid-range globally in areas such as Representation, Rights, and Rule of Law, with its strongest performance in Participation, where it ranks 26th out of 173 countries. However, in the past five years, Indonesia has faced challenges, including declines in Access to Justice, Credible Elections, Parliamentary Effectiveness, Freedom of Expression, and Judicial Independence.

Conclusion

The 2024 Indonesian Local Elections represent a landmark in the country’s democratic journey, as all regional leaders will be elected simultaneously across 548 regions for the first time.  The scale of these elections could have significant implications not only for local leadership but also for President Prabowo Subianto’s broader political agenda and the national political landscape by highlighting emerging leaders across the country.

However, Indonesia’s 2024 elections face several key challenges, such as public concerns about military influence, age restrictions, and scrutiny over campaign finance transparency. Simplifying measures like removing Jakarta’s runoff requirement are intended to make the process smoother but raise questions about fair representation. The introduction of the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option allows voters to reject unopposed candidates, providing a democratic safeguard though adding procedural complexity.

Lessons from India and Bhutan, where NOTA is practiced, and from simultaneous election models in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines—which align governance at various levels yet face logistical challenges—can offer valuable insights. These global practices may help guide Indonesia’s approach, ensuring efficiency and alignment in its ambitious electoral endeavor.

As Indonesia seeks to uphold and strengthen its democratic standards, these elections are pivotal in setting new precedents for governance, accountability, and public engagement at all levels.