Reconstructing Indonesia’s Presidential Election Law Through Pancasila Values and Constitutional Principles

Journal: Nusantara: Journal of Law Studies

Publication: 2026-08-28 · Vol. 5 No. 2 · pp. 1438–1459

DOI: 10.66325/nusantaralaw.v5i2.166

Abstract

This study examines the reconstruction of Indonesia’s presidential and vice-presidential election law by integrating Pancasila values and constitutional principles into the national democratic system. The research is motivated by ongoing debates concerning the Presidential Threshold and Pariamentary Threshold policies, which are considered to limit political equality, weaken democratic inclusiveness, and create inconsistencies within Indonesia’s presidential system in the context of a multiparty democracy. This study aims to formulate a more just, participatory, and constitutionally oriented electoral framework based on the philosophical values of Pancasila. The research employs a socio-legal approach using a mixed-methods design that combines normative legal analysis with empirical and conceptual examination of electoral practices in Indonesia. Primary legal materials include the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Law No. 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections, Constitutional Court decisions, and related regulations. These materials are analyzed through statutory, conceptual, and philosophical approaches grounded in democratic theory and Pancasila jurisprudence. The findings reveal that the Presidential Threshold mechanism imposes discriminatory limitations by restricting political parties' equal opportunities to nominate presidential candidates, thereby undermining substantive democratic principles and constitutional justice. Furthermore, the implementation of simultaneous elections has contributed to political polarization and weakened the effectiveness of presidential governance. This study proposes several legal reforms, including the abolition of the Presidential Threshold, the reevaluation of simultaneous elections, the introduction of independent presidential candidates, and the strengthening of candidate qualifications through stricter requirements for leadership experience, public achievements, and national integrity. This research contributes to the development of constitutional and electoral law studies by offering a Pancasila-based reconstruction model for a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic presidential election system in Indonesia.