Ricky Jauwerissa Confirms Resignation as Candidate for Tanimbar Islands Election

The Respondent’s (KPU) legal counsel La Radi Eno at the examination hearing for Case No. 161/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 PHPU on the Tanimbar Islands regent election results dispute, Thursday (1/23/2025). Photo by MKRI/Ifa.

JAKARTA (MKRI) - The KPU (Election Commission) of the Tanimbar Islands has confirmed the determination of regent and vice regent candidates for the 2024 election in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Among the confirmed candidates is Ricky Jauwerissa, a former member of the Tanimbar Islands Legislative Council (DPRD). The Tanimbar Islands KPU acknowledged receiving Jauwerissa's resignation letter.

"There is a resignation letter from the Secretary of the DPRD," stated La Radi Eno, the Tanimbar Islands KPU’s legal counsel, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

This statement was presented by Eno in the examination hearing for Case No. 161/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 on the Tanimbar Islands regent election results dispute. This hearing was held to hear testimonies from the Respondent, Relevant Party, and Bawaslu (Election Supervisory Body), as well as validate evidence. The trial of Panel of Judges 1 was led by Chief Justice Suhartoyo accompanied by two panel members, namely Constitutional Justice Daniel Yusmic P. Foekh and Constitutional Justice M. Guntur Hamzah.

This case was filed by Tanimbar Islands regent and vice regent candidates 03 Melkianus Sairdekut and Kelvin Keliduan (Petitioners), while candidates 03 Ricky Jauwerissa and Juliana Chatarina Ratuanak are the Relevant Party.

Regarding the Relevant Party's previous position as a member of the DPRD, the Respondent stated that no objections had been raised, including by the Petitioners. "We emphasize that there were no objections when the first announcement was made," said Eno.

In line with the Respondent, the Relevant Party stated that his resignation as a DPRD Member was conducted in accordance with the applicable procedures. The resignation letter was submitted on August 29, 2024. Additionally, for candidacy purposes, the Relevant Party confirmed receiving a receipt from the Tanimbar Islands KPU.

"There is also a receipt from the Tanimbar Islands KPU, confirming that the requirements have been fulfilled," said the Relevant Party's legal counsel Denny Indrayana.

Meanwhile, the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu stated that they had not received any reports regarding the resignation of the Relevant Party, and they had reviewed the Relevant Party's candidacy requirements by requesting a copy of the relevant documents from the Tanimbar Islands KPU.

"The document includes a resignation letter from Ricky Jauwerissa as a member of the Tanimbar Islands DPRD," stated Indra M. Pormes, a member of the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu.

Transfer of 40 Ballot Boxes

In addition, the Respondent also responded to the petition's arguments concerning the transfer of 40 ballot boxes from Adaut Village, the capital of Selaru District, to Saumlaki City, the capital of Tanimbar Islands Regency. The Respondent argued that the transfer did not affect the voting results, as the recapitulation results were consistent with the D-result KWK regency/city model forms, which were owned by the Selaru District supervisory committee and witnesses from all candidate pairs.

"The witnesses, including those representing the Petitioners, also signed the recapitulation results for the 40 polling stations," stated La Radi Eno, the legal counsel of the Tanimbar Islands KPU.

The Relevant Party explained that the transfer of the 40 ballot boxes was a precautionary measure to prevent potential unrest and maintain order. The transfer, according to the Relevant Party, was conducted in coordination with Bawaslu, KPU, the Tanimbar Islands Police, and candidate pairs’ witnesses.

All parties reportedly agreed to transfer the ballot boxes to Saumlaki on November 21, 2024, with a subsequent agreement to return them to Adaut on November 30, 2024.

"There was a peace declaration, and the majority of witnesses signed the D-result district (forms). No special incident forms were submitted," stated Denny Indrayana, Relevant Party’s legal counsel.

Meanwhile, the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu stated that they had not received any reports or findings from Panwascam (district elections supervisory committee) regarding the transfer of the 40 ballot boxes. "There were no reports or findings related to the transfer of the 40 boxes," said Indra M. Pormes, a member of the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu.

Alleged Vote Buying Denied

The Tanimbar Islands KPU stated that KPU had never been summoned by the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu or Gakkumdu to provide clarification on the matter. Meanwhile, the Relevant Party argued that the Petitioners failed to provide specific details regarding the alleged vote buying or “money politics”. "The perpetrator, the evidence, and other relevant details were not presented," stated Denny Indrayana.

The Relevant Party stated that they had cross-checked with the Election Organizer Ethics Council (DKPP) and found no complaints supporting the Petitioners’ claims. Similarly, the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu confirmed that they had not issued any recommendations concerning money politics. While Bawaslu acknowledged receiving a report on the matter, they did not proceed with the report to the point of issuing a recommendation.

"[The report] was dismissed because, fundamentally, there were no witnesses," stated Mathias Alubwaman, the Tanimbar Islands Bawaslu chairperson.

Also read: Resignation Requirement, Vote Buying, and Transfer of Ballot Boxes Challenged

Petitioners Allege Money Politics in Seven Districts

At the previous hearing, the Petitioners argued that the Relevant Party, Ricky Jauwerissa, did not meet the formal requirements to participate in the 2024 Tanimbar Islands regent election. According to the Petitioners, Jauwerissa had not resigned from his position as vice chairperson of the DPRD of Tanimbar Islands Regency, as required.

The Petitioners also alleged instances of money politics, including a transaction of Rp100 million at the Galaxy Hotel on November 25, 2024, during the election's quiet period. The Petitioners further claimed that money politics took place in multiple locations, including Makatian Village, Arui Das Village, Latdalam Village, Atubul Da Village, and Kelaan Village.

In their petition, the Petitioners also raised concerns about the transfer of 40 ballot boxes containing pre-marked ballots from Adaut Village, the capital of Selaru District, to Saumlaki City, the capital of Tanimbar Islands Regency. They alleged that this transfer was conducted under the instructions of the Respondent.

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Ricky Jauwerissa Confirms Resignation as Candidate for Tanimbar Islands Election