Author: Fitrinela Patonangi (Member of the West Sulawesi Provincial Bawaslu, She Leads Indonesia 2021 participant). Published in Fajar Newspaper, October 24, 2021.
Puskapol LPPSP UI, a research unit under LPPSP FISIP UI, focuses on research and community engagement. With support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and its implementing partner, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), it carried out the Women Lead program. This initiative aims to increase the number of women applying for and participating in the selection process for members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for the 2022–2027 term. A similar program was also conducted in 2016 for the 2017–2022 term.
Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including election administrators from KPU and Bawaslu, academics, election and democracy activists, and representatives of civil society organizations. The Puskapol UI team selected participants for the training, with a quota limited to 150 people, while the number of applicants was three times higher. This strong interest signals a positive momentum for encouraging and strengthening women’s participation in strategic roles within election administration.
The 30 Percent Quota
Based on legal provisions regarding women’s representation in election management bodies, Article 10 paragraph (7) of Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections states that the composition of KPU membership at national, provincial, and district/city levels should take into account women’s representation of at least 30 percent. Similarly, Article 92 paragraph (1) states that the composition of Bawaslu membership at all levels should also consider a minimum of 30 percent women’s representation.
In principle, the phrase “take into account” should be treated as an important note in strengthening gender-responsive democracy by ensuring gender equality in public decision-making, particularly in election administration.
The inclusion of the phrase “take into account” in legal provisions is not without meaning. Although it does not impose a strict obligation, it still influences policymaking, especially in the recruitment of election administrators, by promoting women’s participation in line with affirmative action principles in democratic systems.
This should begin with a selection process that is oriented toward a gender perspective. Women should not merely be treated as complements or passive participants. Therefore, further elaboration of Article 22 paragraph (1) of Law No. 7 of 2017 is necessary. This article states that the President forms a selection committee of up to 11 members, taking into account at least 30 percent women’s representation. In practice, this principle should not apply only at the national level but also be translated into technical regulations or institutional rules (PKPU/Perbawaslu) governing recruitment processes at lower levels, including ensuring women’s representation within the selection committees themselves.
Concrete action is also needed from women’s groups, particularly civil society organizations focused on women’s empowerment, to provide education and outreach that encourage women to participate not only as voters but also as election administrators. This is essential for building a democracy that truly reflects gender perspectives.
The initiative carried out by Puskapol UI deserves appreciation. It not only encourages participation but also provides guidance through a team of facilitators. Participants go through three specially designed training modules aimed at improving their quality and skills. The first module took place from September 27 to 30, 2021, and continued with Modules 2 and 3.
The training, conducted online and in hybrid formats, did not hinder facilitators or participants from achieving its objectives. In fact, it created an experience similar to in-person classes. Participants were also assigned to complete application forms, which were later reviewed by facilitators who provided feedback and improvements. This reflects Puskapol UI’s concrete commitment not only to encouraging but also to supporting Indonesian women who possess the capacity, knowledge, experience, and integrity needed, from training stages through to the application process for KPU and Bawaslu membership for the 2022–2027 term.
A holistic mapping of women’s potential in the recruitment of election administrators is essential. Affirmative policies for women in election administration will have little impact without women’s willingness to participate. Regulatory changes are needed, particularly to strengthen women’s involvement by replacing the phrase “take into account” with more binding language that ensures at least 30 percent women’s representation in election management bodies.
Democracy is fundamentally about participation and equality. It clearly requires women to be present and actively involved, not only as voters but also as election administrators. There is strong hope that the selection committees for KPU and Bawaslu will provide greater opportunities for women who have the knowledge and experience to serve as election administrators for the 2022–2027 term. (*)
