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Constitutional Court Decision No. 135/PUU-XXII/2024, which separates the schedules for national elections (2029) and regional elections (2031), has the potential to create a legislative vacuum or institutional void in the Regional People’s Representative Councils (DPRD) during the 2029–2031 transition period. This is because the terms of office for DPRD members elected in the 2024 elections end in 2029, while the next elections will not be held until 2031, and there are currently no transitional provisions governing the mechanism for filling these vacancies. This study aims to analyze the legal implications of the decision regarding the potential for a DPRD vacancy and to evaluate the limits of the Constitutional Court’s authority in determining the design of synchronized elections. Using a normative legal research method with legislative, conceptual, and case-based approaches, this study identified three alternative mechanisms for filling DPRD vacancies: by-elections, term extensions, or amending the law with transitional provisions. The term extension option is deemed the most proportionate as it prioritizes legal certainty and legitimacy. This ruling has also sparked debate as it is viewed as exceeding the Constitutional Court’s authority as a negative legislator and entering the realm of open legal policy, although substantively it opens space for strengthening local democracy. The government and the House of Representatives are recommended to immediately revise the Election Law and the Regional Government Law by adding transitional provisions that explicitly regulate the mechanism for filling vacancies in the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) during the 2029–2031 transition period in a careful and participatory manner.

The election of regional heads is a form of democratic implementation that requires the active participation of the community as voters. However, in its implementation, various obstacles are still found such as low voter participation, limited access to information, and lack of efficiency in the conventional voting process. This research aims to develop an online-based regional head election information system as a solution to increase voter participation through the use of digital technology. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) with a Waterfall system development model which includes the stages of needs analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and evaluation. The developed system provides features of voter registration, candidate information, online voting process, and real-time recapitulation of vote results. The system test is carried out using the Black Box Testing method and shows that all system functions are running according to the user's needs. The results of this study show that the implementation of an online-based election information system can provide easy access, increase transparency, and encourage community involvement, especially young voters, in the process of electing regional heads. Thus, this system has the potential to become a digital innovation that supports improving the quality of local democracy.

This study analyzes media perceptions of the revocation of CNN Indonesia journalists' press identity cards by the State Palace in 2025, using the legal framework of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. The main objective of the study is to examine the extent to which provisions in the Press Law function effectively in providing legal protection for journalists, as well as to identify potential restrictions on statements deemed inappropriate for public access by the Palace. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive-analytical approach, combining literature review, legal document analysis, and review of national media coverage. The research findings indicate that the revocation of Press IDs without going through the Press Council mechanism contradicts the principles of due process and press freedom guaranteed in the Press Law. This incident created a critical perception that the government has the potential to restrict journalists' freedom, especially regarding strategic state policy issues. Informal resolution through mediation and official apologies do not change the reality that the implementation of non-litigation mechanisms in the Press Law is crucial. This study concludes that the role of the Press Law in protecting the journalistic profession is highly dependent on the government's commitment to guaranteeing press freedom, information transparency, and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy.

The Frankfurt School represents one of the most influential traditions of critical thought in the development of twentieth-century social theory and philosophy. This article aims to examine the impact of Frankfurt School thought particularly the ideas of key figures such as Max Horkheimer, Theodor W. Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, and Jürgen Habermas and to analyze the relevance of their ideas within contemporary social contexts. Using a qualitative approach through an extensive literature review, this study examines key concepts such as critical theory, instrumental rationality, and the culture industry, as well as their implications for power relations, advanced capitalism, mass media, and modern democracy. The findings demonstrate that the Frankfurt School’s critique of instrumental rationality and cultural commodification remains highly relevant for understanding contemporary social problems, including digital media dominance, consumerism, and the crisis of the public sphere. This article argues that Frankfurt School thought continues to provide an essential analytical framework for critically engaging with the contradictions of modern and postmodern societies in the era of globalization and digital technology.

This research examines money politics as a root problem in Indonesia’s democratic system, focusing on the 2019 and 2024 general elections. Money politics refers to the practice of distributing cash or goods by candidates, campaign teams, or volunteers to influence voters’ political choices. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach to analyze several cases that occurred across different regions in Indonesia. The findings reveal that money politics was widespread during both elections, with the main modus operandi involving the distribution of cash, basic goods, and facilities. This practice not only violates the principles of free and fair elections but also undermines citizens’ dignity, weakens popular sovereignty, and serves as a major driver of political corruption. Contributing factors include power ambition, vulnerable economic conditions, low political education, weak oversight, and entrenched transactional political culture. To address this issue, the research highlights the importance of political party reform and strengthening democratic education, particularly through civic education programs. These efforts aim to increase political awareness among citizens and improve the overall quality of Indonesia’s democracy.

This research discusses the phenomenon of social organizations (ormas) in Indonesia from a legal perspective and the challenges of democracy. The freedom of association guarantyd by Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution serves as the legal basis for the existence of social organizations, which are further regulated by Law Number 17 of 2013 and Law Number 16 of 2017. Regulatory changes, particularly the government's authority to dissolve mass organizations without judicial process, have sparked a debate between the need to maintain public order and the guaranty of the principle of due process of law. The research method used is normative juridical with a legislative and conceptual approach, supported by a literature study from primary and secondary legal materials. The study results show that although mass organizations have great potential in strengthening democracy, challenges such as identity politics, radicalism, lack of funding transparency, and state power abuse against mass organizations still pose major obstacles. Therefore, balanced legal regulations, transparent oversight, and enhanced democratic literacy are needed to ensure that the role of social organizations remains in line with the principles of the rule of law and Pancasila democracy.  

This study aims to examine how the concept of deliberative democracy is perceived and constructed within the intellectual discourse of Indonesian Muslim scholars. Employing a qualitative approach through literature analysis, data were gathered from academic works, including books, journal articles, and relevant conference proceedings. The analysis was conducted thematically to identify key patterns, categories, and overarching themes. The findings reveal three main points. First, the literature highlights the compatibility between Islam and deliberative democracy through the reinterpretation of shūrā, which is framed as a normative foundation aligned with modern practices of consultation. Second, the study identifies structural and cultural barriers—such as political polarization, elite dominance, and limited public space—that hinder substantive deliberation. Third, it highlights the potential for strengthening deliberative democracy through the integration of Islamic values, particularly by emphasizing maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, the ethics of justice, and the recognition of pluralism. In addition, the research introduces new categories, namely ethical deliberation and the rise of digital deliberation, both of which enrich the Indonesian model of deliberative democracy. Ultimately, the study concludes that deliberative democracy grounded in Islamic ethics is not merely a localized adaptation of Western theory but also makes a significant theoretical contribution to the broader development of deliberative democracy in the global context.

Regulatory changes through Law No. 3 of 2024 concerning the Second Amendment to Law No. 6 of 2014 stipulate an extension of the village head's term of office from six to eight years. This policy is intended to strengthen leadership stability and the sustainability of village development, but also raises concerns regarding reduced leadership circulation, weakened community political participation, and increased potential for abuse of power. This research uses empirical legal methods with sociological, conceptual, and case-based approaches, conducted through field observations and in-depth interviews with village officials, community leaders, MSMEs, and residents of Kerato Village. The results show a diverse response from the community. Some support this policy because it is seen as providing the village head with the opportunity to complete development programs sustainably. However, others reject it, arguing that term extension has the potential to reduce the quality of local democracy, limit leadership regeneration, and reduce the frequency of community political participation. The discussion emphasizes the dilemma between village government stability and the principles of participatory democracy. In conclusion, this policy is ambivalent: positive in maintaining development continuity, but risky for accountability and community participation. Therefore, strengthening the function of the Village Consultative Body (BPD), transparency, and effective oversight mechanisms are very necessary to maintain the balance between government stability and village democracy.

Voter education is an important instrument in realizing a quality and sustainable democracy. Through the process of voter education socialization, it is hoped that the public can understand in depth their rights and obligations in the implementation of elections, as well as encourage active and responsible participation in the democratic process. Citizen participation in democratic social life must be based on adequate knowledge, critical reflection, and awareness of the rights and responsibilities as voters. A good understanding of the effectiveness of voter education socialization can shape a critical, rational, and independent attitude in exercising the right to vote, thereby strengthening the foundations of a clean and integrity-based democracy. This community service was carried out in the Selogiri District, Wonogiri Regency, with the aim of providing political education to the public regarding the importance of participation in the 2024 simultaneous regional head elections. Through a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, the community was actively involved as subjects in the activity process, not just as objects receiving information. Community service activities are carried out by integrating outreach into various village events, aimed at attracting residents to attend, interact, and directly discuss local political issues and forms of participation in the regional elections. Through these activities, it is hoped that the community will have a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of their role in determining the direction of regional policy through the regional elections. This education is also expected to raise awareness to vote based on conscience, without intervention or negative influences such as money politics, which has been a major challenge in every election at both the central and regional levels.

The revision of Law No. 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI Law) on March 20, 2025, particularly regarding the expanded placement of active military personnel in civilian positions, has sparked concerns about the return of Dwifungsi ABRI. This study critically analyzes whether this expanded role can be categorized as a New Style Dwifungsi and its implications for democratic consolidation in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature review, this research examines the historical roots of Dwifungsi ABRI, the crucial changes in the 2025 TNI Law revision, and analyzes the concerns of civil society and academics. The findings indicate the potential weakening of civilian supremacy, a decline in military professionalism, and accountability issues. International comparative studies underscore the importance of civilian supremacy and military neutrality in a democracy. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of upholding democratic integrity and civilian supremacy through transparency and strict accountability in any military placement within the civilian sphere.

The Constitutional Court (MK) Decision Number 55/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 is an important precedent in the dynamics of regional head election law in Indonesia. The Constitutional Court canceled the participation of the North Gorontalo Regent candidate pair because one of the candidates was still undergoing a criminal probation period. This article analyzes the Constitutional Court's legal considerations and their implications for the principle of legal certainty and protection of voters' constitutional rights. This study uses a normative legal approach with a descriptive-qualitative analysis method of laws and regulations and Supreme Court decisions. The results show that the enforcement of strict nomination requirements by the Constitutional Court emphasizes the importance of compliance with the law in the democratic process, while ensuring that regional head candidates have proper moral and legal integrity, this decision also emphasizes that the election process is not only procedural, but also substantial in ensuring the quality of leadership that will be elected. In addition, this decision provides guidelines for election organizers, especially the General Election Commission (KPU), to be more careful in conducting factual verification of candidate requirements. On the other hand, political parties are encouraged to be more selective in nominating candidates, in order to avoid potential legal disputes that could harm public trust in democracy.

This study investigates how Islamic da’wah can serve as a strategic instrument in strengthening civic engagement within democratic societies. Civic engagement is the active participation of citizens in public life, including policy-making, government oversight, and involvement in solving social problems. It is a crucial element in maintaining a fair and participatory democratic system. In the context of Muslim communities, Islamic da’wah not only aims to convey religious teachings but also seeks to instill universal values such as justice, equality, consultation (shura), empathy, and social responsibility—principles that form the foundation of democratic life. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach. Data were gathered from secondary sources such as books, academic journals, and relevant articles related to Islamic da’wah, civic engagement, and democracy. This method was chosen to allow for a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the social function of da’wah without conducting field observations or direct interviews. The results of this study show that Islamic da’wah, when practiced contextually and inclusively, can build critical social awareness, encourage public participation, and strengthen constructive social dialogue. Digital da’wah, Islamic value-based social campaigns, and the proactive role of preachers as agents of change become key elements in bridging Islamic teachings with democratic values. Furthermore, participatory da’wah empowers marginalized groups to become more involved in public discourse. Therefore, Islamic da’wah emerges not only as a spiritual medium but also as a cultural force that supports the development of a just, democratic, and civilized civil society.

The inconsistency in case rulings and its impact on the principles of separation of powers and the quality of democracy in Indonesia. The case challenges the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, with the Constitutional Court acknowledging the legal standing of the petitioner despite discrepancies in the outcomes of similar cases. The implications of adding norms in such rulings also raise questions about the legitimacy of Constitutional Court decisions in the political context. This study employs qualitative methods, leading to the conclusion that the decision results in controversy among the public, causing them to lose trust in the constitutional court due to autocratic rulings benefiting political elite. Keywords: Constitutional Court, Democracy.

The community as voters has a very important role because it is one of the factors that determine the success or failure of organizing elections. The purpose of this research is used as information on the role of election organizers, in this case the District Election Committee (PPK) at the Sumbermanjing Wetan District Level, Malang Regency in its efforts to increase community participation and as knowledge about general elections to be used as an evaluation in organizing future elections. This research uses phenomenological qualitative research methods through in-depth source interviews and observation notes to election organizers, namely members of the District Election Committee (PPK) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency. PPK in socialization activities to the community cooperates with the District Election Supervisory Committee (Panwascam) in supervision and socialization, government agencies, government institutions and local village community organizations in disseminating socialization to the community because it is able to reach all communities that have limited accessibility. The declining level of community participation needs to be reviewed so that people who abstain from voting or who do not use their voting rights can actively participate in realizing democracy. In addition, a wise evaluation of the regulations, technical implementation, accuracy of voter data, neutrality and integrity of the electoral process is needed.

Opposition is an important element in a democratic system that functions as a mechanism of control over power. In the context of Indonesian constitutionality, the existence of the opposition is a prerequisite for the realization of a healthy and effective democracy. However, in practice, the term opposition is often equated with the principle of checks and balances, thus causing a blur of meaning between the two. This paper aims to examine the paradigm of the opposition in the Pancasila democratic system and analyze the relationship between the opposition and the principle of checks and balances in the Indonesian constitutional system. This research uses a qualitative method with a normative juridical approach, through a conceptual approach and a legislative approach. An analysis was carried out on the doctrines of constitutional law and provisions in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia related to the implementation of opposition and the principle of checks and balances. This approach was chosen to explore legal issues in depth and find a comprehensive understanding of the role of the opposition in the Indonesian constitutional system. The results of the study show that even though Indonesia does not adhere to a parliamentary or presidential system with two parties, the implementation of the opposition is still relevant and carried out with attention to the values of consensus in Pancasila democracy. The opposition in Indonesia is not confrontational, but constructive and oriented towards strengthening the system of supervision of power. Opposition and the principle of checks and balances are two concepts that are terminologically different, but interrelated and inseparable in Indonesian constitutional practice. Both serve as important instruments in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring accountability in the administration of government. Thus, a proper understanding of the opposition paradigm and the principle of checks and balances is the key to strengthening constitutional democracy in Indonesia.

Press criminal law has significant implications in the case of sending a pig's head to the editorial office of Tempo, an event that has drawn attention regarding press freedom and the limits of expression. This research aims to analyze how the provisions of press criminal law can be applied in the context of acts of intimidation against the media as occurred in this case. Employing a normative juridical study method with a case approach, this research will examine potential criminal violations and the relevance of the Press Law in providing protection for press freedom. The main focus of the analysis is to understand the limitations that can be imposed on expression, especially when such actions have the potential to threaten or create fear among journalists. This case is important to evaluate in order to maintain the dignity of the press as a free and independent pillar of democracy. Furthermore, this research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of how the legal system responds to actions that can undermine press freedom in Indonesia, as well as provide recommendations for more effective law enforcement in protecting press freedom without neglecting the principles of justice.

Political communication based on Pancasila values serves as a crucial foundation for developing ethical and effective digital campaign strategies in Indonesia. The advancement of technology has transformed political campaigns from face-to-face interactions into digital engagements through social media, websites, and messaging applications. This study aims to analyze the application of Pancasila principles in digital political campaigns and evaluate their effectiveness in fostering ethical, people-centered political communication. Using a qualitative approach, this research employs content analysis of digital campaign materials from various political parties. The findings indicate that campaigns emphasizing values such as unity, humanity, social justice, and deliberation can enhance public participation, particularly among younger voters. Key success factors include information transparency, open dialogue, polite language use, and the provision of objective political education. Pancasila-based digital campaigns also help mitigate social polarization and strengthen public trust in the democratic process. Therefore, this model of political communication is worth adopting as a campaign approach that not only seeks electoral support but also reinforces a substantial and dignified democracy.

This research aims to explain how multiliteracy and community participation principles can be integrated into the assessment process to create a more inclusive learning space. Through a literature review approach, this article describes the conceptual framework and practical implications to be adopted in the context of induction education in higher education. The study's results, the first of which show that the multiliteracy approach opens up opportunities for learners to express their knowledge and understanding through various modalities. Second, community involvement in the assessment process through a community-based assessment model emphasizes the importance of the participation of multiple parties as partners in the observation and validation of learning outcomes. Third, the two can be integrated through participatory assessment strategies combining multiliteracy and democracy.  This research recommends that learners and stakeholders design and implement assessments that value diversity, participation, and creativity.

This research examines the role of Pancasila as a philosophical pillar in strengthening Indonesian democracy and shaping just legal policies amidst the dynamics of legal changes. The research background highlights the challenges in actualizing Pancasila's values within the legal system, reflected in the incongruence of legal policies with the principle of justice, limited public participation, and obstacles in the era of globalization. This qualitative study, employing a literature review method, aims to analyze the application of Pancasila's values in addressing legal challenges and to identify the constraints in its implementation as a foundation for democracy. The findings indicate a mismatch between legal policies and Pancasila's values due to political factors, a lack of understanding, complex bureaucracy, and systemic injustice. Limited public participation in policy formulation also poses a constraint. The implications of this research underscore the need to enhance the understanding and internalization of Pancasila's values in the legal policy-making process, as well as to increase public participation to achieve a more just and democratic legal system in accordance with the ideals of Pancasila.  

Islamic education has a strategic role in shaping the character and morals of students in line with the principles of democracy. This article aims to examine how democratic values ​​such as equality, justice, deliberation, and tolerance can be instilled through the process of Islamic education, both formally in educational institutions and in non-formal contexts such as religious studies and socio-religious activities. With a qualitative descriptive approach and literature study, this study shows that Islamic education can be an effective instrument in instilling democratic values ​​through the integration of religious teachings, teacher role models, and strengthening the curriculum that encourages dialogue, freedom of thought, and respect for differences. Instilling democratic values ​​in Islamic education is not only relevant to the development of national character, but also becomes an important foundation in forming a civilized civil society.