Dynamics of Politics and Democracy

Analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of the budget for the DPR's aspirational funds in Mimika Regency

2025-08-05T10:47:12+07:00

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the DPRD’s aspirational funds (Pokok Pikiran) in Mimika Regency, focusing on their impact on public welfare and alignment with regional development priorities.

Research/methodology: A descriptive quantitative approach was used, with primary data collected through questionnaires and interviews with community members and stakeholders in the DPRD and local government. Secondary data included budget realization reports from 2022–2024. Effectiveness and efficiency were measured using ratio analysis.

Results: The average effectiveness reached 95.3%, showing that most allocated funds were realized. However, efficiency declined, with the Pokok Pikiran share in direct spending dropping from 5.6% in 2022 to 2.89% in 2024, despite growing regional expenditure. Several programs, such as housing development, had limited welfare impact, suggesting poor alignment with strategic needs.

Conclusions: While the funds were effectively utilized, their efficiency in enhancing public welfare was limited due to weak program impact and misaligned priorities. Strategic planning and targeting are necessary to improve outcomes.

Limitations: The study is limited to one region and a short timeframe (three years), without comprehensive input from beneficiaries, limiting the assessment of long-term impacts.

Contribution: This study offers empirical insights into DPRD fund management, identifying the gap between budget realization and public benefit. It informs policy improvements in fund prioritization, transparency, and welfare impact in decentralized governance.

Constitutional Court Decree No 90/Puu-XII/2023 Provisions on Age Requirements for Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates in the Principles of the State of Law and Pancasila Democracy

2025-08-06T11:20:31+07:00

Purpose: This study examines the legal consequences of Constitutional Court Decision No. 90/PUU-XXI/2023, which adds new requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and analyzes its implications for the constitutional system and the balance of power between state institutions in Indonesia.

Research methodology: Using a normative juridical approach, this research draws upon statute analysis, constitutional theory, and judicial interpretation. It evaluates the decision based on Hans Kelsen’s legal hierarchy theory and the principle of judicial restraint within a constitutional democracy.

Results: The findings show that the Constitutional Court, through this decision, has expanded its interpretive role beyond judicial review, effectively performing a legislative function. This has resulted in the creation of a new norm that was not previously regulated by law. The decision also raises concerns about the erosion of judicial neutrality and the risk of institutional imbalance, particularly between the judiciary and the legislature.

Conclusions: The decision disrupts the principle of separation of powers and may set a precedent for overreach by the judiciary. It calls into question the boundaries of judicial authority and its role in upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

Limitations: The study is limited to a normative-doctrinal analysis and does not include comparative perspectives or empirical data.

Contribution: This paper contributes to the discourse on constitutional law by emphasizing the need for judicial neutrality and reinforcing the importance of checks and balances in maintaining a democratic constitutional order.

Implementation of Law Number 14 of 2008 on Public Information Transparency in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI)

2025-08-05T14:20:00+07:00

Purpose: The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR-RI) is mandated to represent the people's voice through general elections. This role becomes meaningful when DPR ensures transparency by providing public access to information. However, its commitment to information disclosure is questionable, especially after limited public access to documents related to the KPK Law revision, Omnibus Law, and the Job Creation Bill. This study analyzes the implementation of public information disclosure policies within the DPR-RI.

Methodology: This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. Primary and secondary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants and literature studies related to the topic.

Result: The research shows that the implementation of the Public Information Disclosure Law in the DPR-RI is not yet optimal. This is particularly seen in the underutilization of media channels and poor management of information sources.

Conclusion: The ineffectiveness of public information disclosure implementation in DPR-RI stems from limited use of digital media, weak performance of the Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID), and lack of institutional commitment. These factors obstruct transparency and accountability in a democratic legislative institution.

Limitation: This study is limited to evaluating the DPR-RI and does not include a comparative assessment with other government institutions or legislative bodies.

Contribution: This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of public information policy implementation in legislative institutions as part of communication policy studies.

Analysis of the constitutional court's decision on the age limit of presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the perspective of Rechtstaat

2025-08-06T11:38:45+07:00

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the Constitutional Court Decision Number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 on the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the perspective of Rechtsstaat and the principle of Trias Politica, emphasizing the rule of law and the balance of power in a democratic legal state..

Research methodology: The research employs a normative legal approach using a conceptual and statutory approach. It analyzes constitutional provisions, legal theories, and judicial decisions to evaluate the decision's alignment with the principles of the rule of law and separation of powers.

Results: The findings reveal that the Constitutional Court’s partial granting of the petition on the age requirement reflects potential political influence, thereby raising questions regarding judicial neutrality and deviation from Trias Politica. The Court’s justification as an “open legal policy” illustrates a blurred line between judicial interpretation and legislative authority, which undermines the Rechtsstaat ideal that demands strict legal consistency and institutional balance.

Conclusions: The decision highlights a deviation from the principles of a legal state (Rechtsstaat) and Trias Politica, as the judiciary may have overstepped its role, thereby affecting public trust and the integrity of the rule of law.

Limitations: This study is limited to doctrinal analysis and does not include empirical assessment of political impacts or public perception.

Contribution: The research contributes to scholarly discourse on the intersection of law and politics in Indonesia, offering a critical evaluation of judicial behavior within the framework of constitutional democracy.

Measuring the influence of dynastic politics in the MK Decision Number 90/PPU-XXI/2023 on democracy

2025-08-06T13:51:50+07:00

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the impact of Constitutional Court Decision Number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 on the development of dynastic politics and its implications for democracy in Indonesia ahead of the 2024 General Election.

Method: This research employs a qualitative descriptive method supported by normative legal analysis, drawing from constitutional provisions, court decisions, literature reviews, and survey data. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the intersection of law, politics, and democratic values.

Results: The findings reveal that the Constitutional Court’s decision—permitting presidential or vice-presidential candidacy for individuals under 40 years of age if they have held an elected regional office—has intensified concerns regarding political dynasties. The public perceives this decision as favoring elite family interests, particularly the nomination of President Joko Widodo’s son, Kaesang Pangarep. This event reflects democratic backsliding and threatens the principle of equality before the law, creating imbalances in political competition and weakening public trust in the integrity of elections.

Conclusion: Dynastic politics, legitimized through judicial decisions with potential conflicts of interest, pose a serious threat to Indonesia’s democracy. Although not illegal, dynastic politics undermines democratic norms, transparency, and equal opportunities in political participation.

Limitations: This study is limited by its reliance on secondary data and the recent timeframe surrounding the 2024 election, which may restrict generalizability.

Contributions: This study contributes to the discourse on democracy and legal politics by highlighting the urgent need for institutional reform, political party responsibility, and judicial impartiality to safeguard Indonesia’s democratic future.