Bawaslu Surabaya Receives 2 Reports Of Alleged Money Politics

SURABAYA - The Surabaya City General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) received two public reports regarding the alleged practice of money politics or money politics, ahead of the implementation of the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) stage.

Head of Surabaya City Bawaslu Novli Bernado Thyssen said the first report of the alleged violation occurred in the Kenjeran District which was reported by a resident.

"Regarding the public's report regarding the alleged money politics in Kenjeran District, it was carried out by the alleged team of legislative candidates," Novli told reporters in Surabaya after reviewing the readiness of the polling station (TPS) at Pondok Sosial Protectment (Liponsos) Keputih reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 13.

Based on the results of reports of alleged money politics that occurred in Kenjeran District, it has a nominal value of IDR 150 thousand.

"One report in Kenjeran is related to the distribution of Rp. 150,000," he said.

The alleged violation is currently being investigated by the Surabaya City Bawaslu.

"The process is still completing the report, but we are not just waiting. We are also going to the field to dig up more information," he said.

For the alleged second violation, Novli said it was known through video recordings spread on social media.

"Video soal dugaan money politic oleh terduga tim sukses inkumben anggota DPRD Surabaya dari salah satu partai peserta pemilu," ujarnya.

Bawaslu is still gathering other evidence to strengthen existing findings.

Novli stated that if proven to have practiced money politics, the legislative candidate could be subject to sanctions.

"Of course, when it is proven to be carried out in a structured, systematic, and massive manner, of course not only administrative sanctions but also criminal penalties. If the administration can be disqualified as a legislative candidate, if the person concerned is elected, he will also be disqualified other than the crime," he said.

Novli said that two alleged violations during the election were of concern to his side.

"There are still reports, one report from residents and the other is still confusing. So we still have to search, if it's registered, then there are 7 seven days to decide the problem," he said.