JAKARTA, LITERASIHUKUM.COM - The Indonesian General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) RI assesses that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology has changed the pattern of election criminal offenses. Election law enforcement must adapt to be able to address these changes. [1]

Bawaslu RI Member Puadi conveyed this assessment during the Harmonization Meeting on Handling Election Criminal Offenses within the Election Law, Criminal Code, and Criminal Procedure Code in Jakarta on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Violation Modus Operandi Shifts to Digital Space

Bawaslu highlighted that vote-buying is no longer always carried out through direct cash distribution. Electronic transactions can be used to disguise fund flows, while political campaigns can spread through various digital platforms.

On the other hand, AI and disinformation add complexity to supervision. Manipulative content, the spread of false news, and campaign materials whose origins are difficult to trace can influence the voter information space.

Digital Evidence Becomes a Challenge

Changes in violation patterns necessitate an update to the procedural workings of election criminal law. Digital evidence requires clear standards so that electronic evidence can be collected, verified, and used without disregarding the principles of due process of law.

Bawaslu also highlighted the need for strengthening the Integrated Law Enforcement Center (Gakkumdu), the proportional application of restorative justice, and a balance between the speed of case handling and the rights of the parties involved.

Recommendations for Regulatory Updates

Harmonization discussions are expected to yield recommendations for future legislative revisions. With increasingly digital violation patterns, election regulations need to provide certainty regarding online campaign boundaries, disinformation handling, and accountable evidence mechanisms.