LABUHANBATU — The Election Organizers Ethics Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DKPP RI) will soon convene an ethics hearing regarding a report filed by Ambar, the lawful wife of the Chairman of the Labuhanbatu Regency General Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), concerning alleged code of ethics violations related to an unregistered marriage (nikah siri).
The complaint has drawn significant public attention due to its direct bearing on the integrity and institutional ethics of election administrators. As the sole authority tasked with upholding the ethical conduct of election officials, DKPP RI will thoroughly evaluate all arguments, testimony from the involved parties, and evidence presented during the tribunal.
During the upcoming proceedings, Ambar, as the complainant, will be granted the opportunity to articulate and substantiate her allegations. Conversely, the respondent will hold full rights to offer official clarifications, responses, and a defense against the claims submitted to the council.
The DKPP RI hearing is expected to deliver clarity on the core grievances outlined in the complaint, determining whether a breach of the Election Organizers’ Code of Ethics truly transpired.
The case has gained heightened scrutiny given the position of election administrators, who are required to maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, independence, and institutional honor.
Nevertheless, the allegations surrounding the unregistered marriage remain strictly within the realm of the submitted complaint and have not been established as legally or ethically proven facts.
The final determination regarding whether an ethical violation occurred rests entirely with DKPP RI, following the completion of comprehensive examinations and court deliberations.
Members of the public are advised to respect the judicial process and adhere strictly to the principle of the presumption of innocence toward the respondent.
As the court date approaches, the public in Labuhanbatu awaits DKPP RI’s examination process and official ruling on Ambar’s report against the regional Bawaslu chairman.
Legal counsel for the complainant, Dr. M. Fadli Nasution, S.H., M.H., confirmed that the ethics hearing will indeed be convened by DKPP RI.
“Yes, it is correct. The hearing will be held by DKPP RI on August 12, 2026, in the Courtroom of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU),” Fadli stated on Friday (August 7, 2026).
He expressed hope that the trial proceedings will run smoothly and that DKPP RI will render a fair judgment in strict accordance with statutory regulations.
Under General Elections Commission (KPU) and Bawaslu ethical guidelines, as regulated in DKPP Regulation No. 2 of 2017 concerning the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Election Organizers, officials are required to uphold high standards of personal honesty, dignity, and morality in both public and private life. Ethical complaints filed by spouses or family members frequently fall under provisions concerning personal integrity and public propriety.
DKPP hearings for regional cases in North Sumatra are routinely conducted out of regional university facilities or regional election offices, such as UMSU in Medan, to ensure accessible local proceedings while maintaining procedural independence. Sanctions issued by DKPP can range from written warnings and temporary suspensions to permanent honorable or dishonorable discharge from office.