In an unforeseen development, the Ethics Committee of the Board of the Indonesian Election Commission (Fkpp) made the decision yesterday to remove Hasyim Asy’ari from his position as head of the Election Commission (KPU). The decision was prompted by allegations of sexual harassment and a number of serious ethical issues. Consequently, Asy’ari has been relieved of his role as chairman and commission member, leaving a significant void in the commission’s leadership.
The controversy surrounding Asy’ari gained momentum during the last election when he authorized the contentious candidacy of President Joko Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming. This decision was made by bypassing the age limit through a ‘rule voted ad hoc’, sparking public outcry and raising questions about the integrity of the commission. These issues ultimately led to the Ethics Committee’s decision to remove Asy’ari from his position.
The investigation revealed that Asy’ari is accused of committing sexual harassment against an Indonesian woman who was working in The Hague, as well as contributing to operational irregularities during the voting process for expatriates in the Netherlands and Europe last February. These findings underscore the severity of the ethical concerns that the committee cited as the basis for his removal.
Heddy Lugito, the head of the ethics section of the Justice Department, mentioned that the decision to relieve Asy’ari from his duties was reached unanimously and was in response to the complainant’s request. This ruling has far-reaching implications, as it necessitates the swift appointment of a new individual to assume the responsibilities of the ousted chief. The urgency of this matter is amplified by the upcoming second nationwide general election, scheduled for November 27, 2024, which adds pressure to quickly identify a suitable candidate to fill the void left by Asy’ari.
The impending transition of leadership at the Election Commission underscores the need for prompt and decisive action by relevant authorities, including the Indonesian administration, President Joko Widodo, the government, and Parliament (Dpr Ri). These entities must work collectively to identify a qualified individual who can effectively step into the role as the country prepares for the upcoming election.
With President Widodo set to conclude his second presidential term on October 20, the impact of Asy’ari’s dismissal will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on the commission’s operations and the wider electoral process. As the country prepares for an important election, the timely appointment of a new commission chief is paramount to ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. It is imperative that Indonesia’s leadership takes the necessary steps to address this issue in a manner that upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.
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