Bantul Regency Extends Village Head Candidate Registration Ahead of 2026 Elections

Thirty villages (kalurahan) in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, are preparing for the 2026 simultaneous village head elections. The candidate registration period closed on 4 August 2026, with the possibility of a further 15‑day extension if only one or no candidates have applied.

Three villages—Mangunan, Wonolelo and Singosaren—received a 15‑day extension after only a single applicant registered, according to Afif Umahatun, head of the district’s Community Empowerment and Village Affairs Office. In contrast, Kalurahan Patalan reported seven applicants, exceeding the allowed maximum of five and triggering an administrative selection process before a supplemental selection can be held.

Afif noted that even if a village ends up with only one candidate after the extension, the election will still be conducted. The campaign period is scheduled for 28‑30 September, and officials hope the process will serve as a democratic learning experience for residents.