Civil groups file ethics complaint against KPU and Bawaslu over presidential candidacy rule

On October 9, 2026, Themis Indonesia together with the Dewi Keadilan Indonesia Foundation reported all KPU and Bawaslu commissioners to the Election Organizers Ethics Council (DKPP). The grievance centers on Article 18, paragraph 3 of KPU Regulation No. 19 of 2023, which exempts presidential and vice-presidential candidates with overseas schooling from high-school diploma requirements. Attorneys Ibnu Syamsu Hidayat and Luthfi Nabilah Ailen argue the clause was inserted without any public testing or hearings and that KPU did not verify the educational documents of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

They further claim Bawaslu failed to supervise the election process adequately. KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin has not responded, but Commissioner Idham Holik said the commission respects the complaint, and Bawaslu Chair Rahmat Bagja made a similar statement. DKPP chair Heddy Lugito noted the council can act only after public complaints are filed, but gave no detail on forthcoming action.