Public Perception of Term Limits for Legislative Members in Tegalsari District, Banyuwangi Regency

Abstract

This study uses primary data through a survey and aims to determine the perceptions of the Tegalsari District 
community in Banyuwangi Regency regarding term limits for legislative members (DPR RI, Provincial DPRD, and 
Regency DPRD). In modern democratic theory, term limits are seen as an important mechanism to prevent the 
concentration of power, strengthen accountability, and ensure the healthy circulation of political elites. However, 
current regulations in Indonesia do not yet regulate the number of terms for legislative members, thus giving rise 
to debate regarding the need for such limits. This study used a quantitative approach with a multistage random 
sampling technique. The location was determined purposively, while the selection of respondents was carried out 
in stages starting from the village, hamlet, and neighborhood association (RT), then determining the head of the 
family and selecting respondents randomly. The results showed that 75.5% of the Tegalsari District community in 
Banyuwangi Regency believed that the term limits for legislative members should be limited. Meanwhile, 14.7% 
stated that legislative members could be elected multiple times, and 9.8% stated they did not know. These findings 
indicate a strong public preference for mechanisms for limiting power and political regeneration as part of 
strengthening the quality of local democracy. This research provides an empirical overview of public perceptions 
regarding the issue of limiting legislative terms and can be a consideration for policy makers, political parties, and 
further research related to strengthening democratic governance in Indonesia.