Jakarta, LiterasiHukum.com – The General Elections Commission (KPU) is once again in the public spotlight after issuing KPU Decree Number 731 of 2025, signed by KPU Chairman Mochammad Afifuddin on August 21, 2025. This controversial decree stipulates 16 types of document requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates (capres-cawapres) as excluded public information or are confidential for the next five years. This policy effectively closes public access to a number of crucial documents such as photocopies of ID cards, birth certificates, police records, wealth reports (LHKPN), proof of graduation (diplomas), curriculum vitae, short profiles, candidate track records, statements of never having been convicted, to letters of resignation from government agencies/BUMN/BUMD. This closure of access raises serious questions regarding the legal basis of the KPU's decision and its impact on the principles of transparency and accountability in the implementation of elections in Indonesia.

Legal Basis and KPU Arguments

The KPU explained that this decision refers to Article 27 paragraph (1) of KPU Regulation Number 22 of 2023 concerning the Management and Service of Public Information (which has been amended by KPU Regulation Number 11 of 2024), as well as Article 2 paragraph (4) of Law Number 14 of 2008 concerning Public Information Disclosure (UU KIP). In the…