Becoming A Member Of The DPR RI To Regional Heads Needs Billions Of Rupiah Costs, KPK: Our Political Costs Are Expensive!

Alexander Marwata/photo:VOI

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Alexander Marwata said the cost of politics in the country when participating in general elections (elections) is very high. To run as governor alone, it takes money of more than Rp. 100 billion and this has the potential to cause corruption.

This was conveyed by Alexander when opening the Smart Politics with Integrity (PCB) activity which was attended by the General Chairman of the Hanura Party Oesman Sapta Odang and his cadres today, Thursday, June 30.

"We are aware, ladies and gentlemen, very, very aware that our political costs are expensive. Expensive," said Alexander at the event which was held at the ACLC KPK Building, Rasuna Said, South Jakarta.

Based on a survey conducted internally, Alexander said that candidates who want to run in the general election (elections) must spend up to billions of rupiah.

"So no members of the DPRD, DPR or even regional heads are free, ladies and gentlemen. We did a survey, yes, the second-level regional head must at least provide IDR 20-30 billion in funds," he said.

"The governor is above Rp 100 billion. Members of the DPRD, the DPR are the same, they also have to have a budget," added Alexander.

Alexander said the money certainly did not come only from the personal pockets of candidates who would run. Moreover, they are allowed to receive sponsors in accordance with the laws and regulations.

However, it is from this sponsorship that the possibility of corruption opens up. Because, Alexander said, this gift could not be free and it was suspected that there would be reciprocity after they succeeded in occupying the position.

"From the results of our survey and the Ministry of Home Affairs there are sponsors. It is permissible and permissible to sponsor. The law allows companies to donate and even individuals to donate," said Alexander.

"But are the donations free? Oh, it's not. There is hope from the donors, especially the companies, contractors in the regions," he continued.

This condition has made the KPK then concerned. Moreover, since the establishment of the KPK, 300 members of parliament, 20 governors, 140 regents/mayors, and 30 ministers from various political parties have been arrested.

"Of course these are figures that are certainly not proud. But they are concerning. We are all concerned that every time we take action against the representatives of the people," he said.

"We certainly hope that the people's representatives, as well as regional heads, when carrying out campaigns deliver campaign promises, yes, everything is beautiful, ladies and gentlemen, everything is beautiful," concluded Alexander.