PDIP: Batas Ambang Parlem untuk Membangun Konsolidasi Demokrasi di DPR dengan Efektivitas Tinggi

Parlamentary Threshold: A Path to Strengthen Democratic Unity?

PAN has proposed removing the parliamentary threshold (PT) in the revision of Indonesia’s election law. This move, according to PDIP, aims to enhance democratic consolidation in the DPR (People’s Representative Council). A PDIP leader explained that mature democracies often set such thresholds, but the key difference lies in the specific numerical values each country adopts.

“The threshold isn’t inherently flawed,” said Said Abdullah, PDIP’s chair, during a press briefing. “What matters is how it’s structured. For instance, Indonesia’s diverse cultural and political landscape makes strict percentage-based thresholds challenging to implement fairly.” He emphasized that forcing small parties into a single coalition could create conflicts due to differing ideologies and cultural backgrounds.

Said argued that such a system might work better in homogeneous societies but could lead to political deadlocks in Indonesia’s multicultural environment. He warned that coalition governments formed under this model might struggle with internal disagreements, undermining their effectiveness.

On the other hand, Said highlighted that PT could encourage more efficient democratic processes in the DPR. By setting clear criteria, it might stabilize governance and ensure coherent policy-making. However, he acknowledged that the current 4% threshold—invalidated by the Constitutional Court (MK) in the past—lacks constitutional grounding.

The MK’s recent ruling clarified that while PT itself isn’t banned, the 4% requirement was unconstitutional. Said clarified that the court’s decision doesn’t prohibit PT but critiques its arbitrary percentage.

Another proposal from Said suggests replacing the percentage-based PT with a seat-based requirement. Instead of a fixed percentage, parties must secure at least 21 seats—matching the current number of DPR’s administrative units (AKD)—to qualify for parliamentary representation. This approach, he argued, ensures parties can fulfill their legislative roles effectively.

“If a party fails to meet this threshold, their representatives might lack the capacity to perform their duties,” Said explained. “This could weaken their influence in the DPR, defeating the purpose of democratic representation.”

The debate around PT reflects broader discussions on balancing inclusivity and stability in Indonesia’s political system. While removing thresholds might empower smaller parties, it risks complicating coalition dynamics. Conversely, a seat-based system could streamline representation but may exclude even smaller voices.

Recent studies on electoral reforms in multicultural democracies suggest that flexible thresholds, combined with proportional representation, often yield better outcomes. For example, countries like Germany and Netherlands have successfully managed diverse parties through adaptive frameworks.

A Call for Adaptive Electoral Systems
Indonesia’s path to a robust democracy may lie in rethinking rigid electoral rules. Embracing a system that accommodates diversity without sacrificing stability could empower more citizens to participate meaningfully. As political landscapes evolve, so must the mechanisms that shape them—ensuring every voice, no matter how small, contributes to national progress.

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