KPK: Budget Inflation And Fictitious Projects Become A Mode Of Corruption In Village Funds That Are Often Found

Johari Maknun (prisoner clothes), a defendant in corruption in the management of the village fund program in Kuripan Village, West Lombok, NTB on Thursday, September 16, 2021. (Antara-Dhimas BP)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that there are a number of modes to cheat the use of village funds that often occur. As a result, there were 601 corruption cases and 686 regional heads as suspects.

"The modes of corruption that are often found are budget inflation, fictitious activities or projects, fictitious reports, embezzlement, and budget abuse," said Deputy for Education and Community Participation Wawan Wardiana in a written statement, Wednesday, October 19.

In addition, there are other challenges in making village funds available to the community. Among these are the lack of community participation in the village in overseeing the APBDes, development, and planning.

Not only that, but Wawan also said that the village community did not have a place to express their opinions or complaints about inappropriate practices. They cannot report if there are village officials who are involved in allegations of gratification and conflicts of interest.

"Another factor that is no less important is the erosion of local culture and customary law in the village," he said.

"This situation and condition shows that corrupt behavior has penetrated into the village which incidentally is the spearhead of this country and the smallest government system," continued Wawan.

He reminded the public to work together to eradicate corruption. The KPK cannot act alone in carrying out its duties, especially overseeing the use of village funds.

"There needs to be a concerted effort to eradicate corruption that is consistent and sustainable," he concluded.