SBY Signs Presidential Decree to Replace Regional Elections Law

Jakarta Globe, SP/Novianti Setuningsih, Oct 03, 2014

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,left, is accompanied by Vice President Boediono
as he signs a special presidential order late on Thursday in an attempt to cancel out the
much-criticized regional elections law, which was passed last week by the House
 of Representatives. (Rumgapres Photo/Abror Rizki)

Jakarta. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed a special presidential order late on Thursday in an attempt to cancel out the much-criticized regional elections law, which was passed last week by the House of Representatives.

Deputy Justice and Human Rights Minister Denny Indrayana said the president signed the regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on Thursday.

“President Yudhoyono wants the regional elections to be better than the previous one and therefore the substance of this Perppu is the answer to all the criticism … that has been voiced by many people,” Denny said on Friday.

Denny said the Perppu canceled out the regional elections law, which removed direct elections for mayors, district heads and governors and placed their appointment in the hands of regional legislative councils.

The law was criticized as a major step back for Indonesian democracy, but it was unclear on Friday whether the Perppu would stand because the House could still veto the president’s last-minute intervention.

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