The Cost Of The 2024 Regional Head Elections In Tangerang City Swells To IDR 101 Billion, PPE And COVID Health Protocol Budget Reaches IDR 3.8 Billion

Election Illustration/Photo: (Antaranews)

TANGERANG - The budget for regional head elections (Pilkada) in 2024 will increase by almost IDR 40 billion to IDR 101 billion. The amount is far from the 2018 Pilkada budget, which is around IDR 61 billion.

"There is an increase of around IDR 40 billion (from) the previous budget," said Tangerang City KPU chairman Ahmad Syailendra, Thursday, March 10.

Syailendra revealed that the actual proposed budget was IDR 99 billion. However, because the number of polling stations (TPS) increased by 100 places, it was increased to IDR 101 billion.

“There is a change in the number of polling stations, increasing from 3,100 to 3,200. So we revised the budget. We have sent a letter to the Tangerang City Government regarding the revision," he said.

In addition, Syailendra revealed that the budget was to accommodate personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items according to the COVID-19 protocol as well as the budget costs of the Ad Hoc committee.

"We are adjusting to the current conditions. At most for Adhoc agencies, I forget how much. PPE is also available at a cost of around IDR 3.8 billion," he said.

According to Syailendra, with such details, the cost of implementing the 2024 Pilkada did not increase significantly compared to the 2018 Pilkada.

"Because in 2024 there will be simultaneous elections, later there will be cost-sharing. Most likely what will be shared is related to Adhoc. We can only apply for the APBD grant," he explained.

Syailendra explained that the draft budget had been communicated with the city government and the local DPRD. He added that the preparation of the budget for the 2024 Pilkada could also use reserve funds from the City Government.

"It could be reserved because it's in the form of a regional regulation. It's just a process, we met with the DPRD. Talking about it (reserve funds), it means that we hand over the budget to them," he said.