Finally, KPU Bans Music Concerts During 2020 Regional Elections Campaign

The General Election Commission (KPU) officially bans music concerts as a campaign method for the 2020 Regional Elections (Pilkada).

The prohibition contained in PKPU Revision No. 13 of 2020 concerning the Second Amendment to PKPU No. 6 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of the Election for the Governor and Deputy Governor, the Regent and the Deputy Regent, and/or the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor Simultaneously to Continue in the Non-natural Disaster Conditions Covid-19.

Previously, this article regulated seven types of campaigns that could be used by Regional Head Election participants, such as general meetings, cultural activities, sports activities, competitions, social activities, the commemoration of political party birthdays.

In Article 88C paragraph (2), the KPU regulates two sanctions if a party insists on holding the event, such as a written warning to dissolution.

“The termination and dissolution of campaign activities at the location of the violation by the Provincial Election Supervisory Agency or Regency / City Election Supervisory Agency if they do not carry out the written warning as referred to in letter a within 1 (one) hour after the written warning is issued,” reads article 88C paragraph (2) letter b.

Previously, the KPU had allowed candidates for regional heads to hold concerts. However, the plan was being controversial because it considered being able to bring crowds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pressure to repeal the rules came from election activists, People’s Representative Council (DPR) members, also musicians. Finally, the KPU discussed the rules with the government and the DPR on Tuesday, September 22.

Related Article: https://www.theasianaffairs.com/indonesia/2020/09/17/amidst-pandemic-ministry-of-home-affairs-asks-kpu-to-remove-concert-permits-from-election-regulations/