Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad receives the coordinator representing village heads whose terms are ending (AMJ).

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Village heads belonging to the End-of-Term (AMJ) Village Heads Coordinator group met with House of Representatives (DPR) leaders on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to discuss continuing their service as acting (pj) village heads.

They are demanding to continue serving—specifically as acting village heads—even though their original six-year terms have expired, citing the new Village Law which extends the term to eight years.

“Extending the village heads’ tenure would reduce the costs of holding village head elections (Pilkades), aligning with current budget efficiency measures,” said Jaro Muhadi, Chairman of the AMJ Village Heads group, during the meeting.

Under Law Number 3 of 2024 concerning Villages, the village head’s term has been extended from six to eight years. The law includes provisions for extending the tenure of currently serving village heads.

However, for those whose terms have already expired, the law stipulates they be replaced by an acting official—typically a Civil Servant (ASN)—until a new definitive village head is elected via a Pilkades. This specific point is the focus of the AMJ Village Heads group’s demands.

They are asking local governments not to appoint Civil Servants as acting village heads, but rather to appoint the incumbent village heads themselves, in the interest of efficiency and the continuity of government programs.

Furthermore, they are calling for the suspension of village head elections for a certain period. Jaro Muhadi noted that, nationwide, a total of 36.000 village heads are set to see their terms expire between 2026 and 2029.

Extending their tenure—and potentially suspending elections—is considered crucial for supporting key government strategic programs, such as the Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and the Village Food Security Program (KDMP).

“As the National Coordinator representing 36.000 village heads across Indonesia whose terms expire in 2027, 2028, and 2029, we ask the government and the House of Representatives to consider a scheme that allows for the continuation of our tenure without holding village head elections for a specific period,” he explained. 

The village head association was received by three DPR leaders, Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Saan Mustopa, and Sari Yuliati.

Following the meeting, Sufmi Dasco stated that he would promptly follow up on the aspirations of the village heads whose terms are ending (AMJ). He also acknowledged the validity of these concerns given the current economic climate and global impacts.

“We have received these requests, and we will attempt to coordinate with the relevant parties regarding this matter,” he said. (Bembo)