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The Debate On Prabowo's Proposal For Regional Leaders To Be Elected By The Regional Legislative Council (DPRD)

The desire expressed by President Prabowo Subianto for regional leaders to be elected through the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) has sparked a debate among the public. This notion was initially presented by Prabowo during his speech at the 60th anniversary of Golkar in Sentul, Bogor, on Thursday, December 12. 

Prabowo believes that conducting local elections through the DPRD could reduce state expenditures. He suggested that the funds saved could be redirected towards other programs that are more crucial for the community. 

"I observe that our neighboring countries operate efficiently; in Malaysia, Singapore, and India, once the members of the DPRD are elected, they are the ones who select the governor and the regent," Prabowo stated.  

Some individuals view this proposal as necessary and agree with Prabowo's perspective on budget reduction. 

Conversely, there is also significant opposition to this idea. Critics argue that electing local leaders through the DPRD would merely shift the practice of political corruption from the populace to party elites. 

Support from Political Parties 

The majority of political parties in the DPR have responded positively to Prabowo's suggestion that local elections should be conducted through the DPRD. Parties expressing their agreement include PKB, NasDem, Golkar, PAN, and PKS. 

"I believe the idea of reevaluating direct elections at the local level is worth supporting. PKB is also in favor. Regarding the mechanism, whether it should be solely through the DPRD or involve all members, let us discuss it together," stated PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) on Friday, December 13. 

Chairman of the DPP PKS, Al Muzammil Yusuf, also expressed that direct local elections should be reassessed. He noted that they incur substantial costs and have the potential to incite horizontal conflicts within society. 

"PKS supports the proposal for local elections through the DPRD as articulated by President Prabowo. It is time for a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of direct local elections," Muzammil remarked in a written statement on Thursday, December 19. 

Secretary-General of PAN, Eko Hendro Purnomo, also known as Eko Patrio, is confident that conducting local elections through the DPRD could lead to more efficient use of state funds. He affirmed PAN's positive support for this proposal. 

Tag: DPRD Regional Legislative Council