Minister to Explain Indirect Regional Election Issue on BDF

Nusa Dua, Bali (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said his institution will explain the indirect regional election decision set by the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Bali Democracy Forum VII.

"We will discuss and explain the issue of indirect regional elections. However, we will not seek to justify, but to share democratic views and explain the Indonesian political situation as well as our effort to develop democracy," Marty said after the closing session of Bali Media Forum here Thursday.

According to Marty, the stance of the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono government is clear, that they have rejected the move to end direct elections of regional heads.

The decision of the Indonesian House of Representative that made into law the move for Regional House of Representatives to choose regional heads can be one of several issues that will be discussed during BDF VII, Marty said.

"Democracy needs a process that has ups and downs. The implementation of the system for indirect election of regional heads does not bother the BDF VII event," Marty said.

Each participating country in the BDF VII will bring the issues of democracy in their country for discussion. Thus, Indonesia will take the indirect regional head election issue to the event, the minister said.

The dialogue during BDF VII can result in fruitful understanding of democracy in each country that gives other countries the encouragement to enhance their democracy, Marty said.

President Yudhoyono has recently issued the government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to overturn Law No. 22/2014 that regulates the indirect election of regional heads.

The Perppu will revert to the previous system of holding direct elections which was being implemented over the past decade in Indonesia.

Additionally, at least 85 countries, including eight international non-governmental organizations and observers, will join the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII in Nusa Dua, Bali Province, to discuss the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. (WDY)