PKB opposes village head term extensions without elections

The National Awakening Party (PKB) faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has raised concerns regarding proposals to extend the terms of village heads (kades) scheduled to end in 2027, 2028, and 2029 without holding village head elections (Pilkades).

Muhammad Khozin, a member of Commission II of the DPR RI from the PKB faction, stated that periodic elections are a vital component of village-level democracy, providing a mechanism for residents to choose their leaders. He argued that the proposal lacks sufficient juridical, sociological, and philosophical foundations.

Khozin also addressed fiscal concerns cited as a reason for the extension, asserting that budgetary issues should not serve as a justification for eliminating or delaying the election mechanism, especially in the absence of force majeure. He warned that bypassing elections could trigger social dynamics and deprive villagers of a formal forum to express their political aspirations.