In an unexpected development, the Ethics Committee of the Indonesian Election Commission (Fkpp) has voted to remove Hasyim Asy’ari from his position as head of the Election Commission (KPU) due to allegations of sexual harassment. The decision to oust Asy’ari was reached after a comprehensive investigation into the accusations, which included claims of sexual misconduct towards a female Indonesian worker in The Hague. Further ethical concerns were raised against Asy’ari, particularly regarding his controversial decision to authorize the candidacy of outgoing President Joko Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming, by bypassing the age limit restriction.
The removal of Asy’ari from his dual role as chairman and commission member of the Election Commission holds significant implications, as the commission is a pivotal institution that oversees the electoral process in Indonesia. His dismissal has resulted in a vacancy in a critical position, necessitating careful consideration for a replacement, especially as the country prepares for its upcoming nationwide general election.
With the general election scheduled for November 27, 2024, the Indonesian administration, along with President Joko Widodo and the government, will need to promptly identify a suitable replacement for Asy’ari. The new appointee will be tasked with ensuring the smooth and equitable conduct of the election, which encompasses the selection of provincial governors, district heads, and city mayors across 37 provinces and 508 districts/cities in Indonesia.
President Joko Widodo, set to conclude his second presidential term on October 20, is anticipated to issue an official letter formalizing Asy’ari’s dismissal within the next two days. Consequently, the Indonesian government will need to navigate the repercussions of this decision and manage the process of appointing a new commission chief with precision and urgency to uphold the integrity of the upcoming general election.
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