MK Strikes Down Presidential Threshold: Anies Baswedan Praises Student Activists
The Jakarta Post, February 2, 2025
In a historic ruling that promises to reshape the political landscape, the Constitutional Court (MK) has abolished the presidential threshold. The minimum 20% vote share or 25% of valid national votes required for a party to put forth presidential and vice-presidential candidates is no longer a hurdle. Anies Baswedan, former Jakarta Governor and prospective 2024 presidential candidate, lauded the four student activists behind the successful challenge.
"Among the names behind the persistent efforts to dismantle the presidential threshold sits four remarkable students from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta," Anies congratulated on his social media account. "Enika Maya Oktavia, Rizki Maulana Syafei, Tsalis Khoirul Fatna, and Faisal Nasirul Haq are not only bright students; they are champions of Indonesia’s democracy."
The MK’s decision, delivered by Chief Justice Suhartoyo, granted the students’ petition (No. 62/PUU-XXI/2023). It declared the threshold in the 2017 Election Law unconstitutional, stating it hindered equal opportunity for all parties to nominate presidential candidates.
"By removing this barrier, we level the playing field for all parties," remarked Vice Chief Justice Saldi Isra. "However, we also suggest that the House of Representatives and the government consider enforcing sanctions on parties that fail to nominate candidates in the next presidential election."
The ruling opens doors for more parties to nominate presidential candidates, potentially increasing democratic participation and competition. Yet, it also raises questions about how the new landscape will shape Indonesia’s political dynamics in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
