The Legal Status of Acting Regional Heads in Indonesia as a Solution for Government Continuity in the Postponement of Regional Elections

Nabila Diara Putri (Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia)
Irwan Triadi (Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia)
M. Adnan Madjid (Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia)

Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (FJMR)
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2026): April 2026

This study analyzes the legal status of Acting Regional Heads within Indonesia’s constitutional system as a solution to the postponement of Regional Head Elections. The postponement of such elections has the potential to create a leadership vacuum that may disrupt the continuity of regional governance. This research employs a normative juridical method, using both statutory and conceptual approaches. The findings indicate that, formally, the existence of Acting Regional Heads has a valid legal basis. However, there remain normative weaknesses concerning the limits of authority, accountability mechanisms, and democratic legitimacy. Acting Regional Heads do not possess a direct mandate from the people, which may lead to a legitimacy deficit. Nevertheless, their presence remains necessary to ensure the continuity of governance. Therefore, stronger, clearer, and more comprehensive regulatory frameworks are required.