This policy brief reviews alternatives for reforming Indonesia’s electoral system through improvements to the open-list proportional representation system based on a simulation of the results of the 2024 House of Representatives (DPR) elections. The simulation compares open-list and closed-list proportional representation systems in three scenarios of electoral district sizes: 3–6, 3–8, and 3–10 seats per electoral district, taking into account the addition of overseas electoral districts and the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). The study results show that the 3–6 electoral district scenario provides the highest chance of women being elected in the open-list system, resulting in a more equitable distribution of women’s representation, and confirming that candidate placement at the top of the list remains a crucial factor in determining the chance of being elected.
This policy brief recommends simplifying the size of electoral districts to 3–6 seats, strengthening affirmative action policies in political party recruitment and candidacy, and strengthening protection for women from gender-based violence in politics as part of efforts to create a more inclusive and democratic electoral system.
Policy Brief Drafting Team
Researcher
- Delia Wildianti (PUSKAPOL UI)
- Muhammad Iqbal Kholidin (Perludem)
Research Assistant
- Revo Linggar Vandito (PUSKAPOL UI)
- Velma Anindya Hapsari (PUSKAPOL UI)
- Gregory Darren Loandouw (PUSKAPOL UI)
Download Policy Brief: Improving the Proportional Election System to Increase Women’s Representation.
