JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reminds of the importance of improving the political financing system. Encouraging a simpler campaign should be formulated by stakeholders rather than tinkering with the general election mechanism.
"The KPK encourages the financing of elections and regional elections to be more efficient so that parties or candidates do not bear the burden of large costs in political contests," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirmed via an SMS, Monday, July 20.
Meanwhile, on a different occasion, Budi said that the hand-in-hand operation (OTT) against 15 regional heads that have occurred recently is a real proof of the expensive results of political costs.
"For example, in the case in Ponorogo, there is an allegation that the party who is a political funder then has access to manage projects and gain profit from the implementation of government projects," said Budi through his written statement, Saturday, July 18.
"Similar patterns are also seen in cases in Langkat, where private parties who are part of the regional head's successful team are suspected of obtaining various work packages after the candidate they supported was elected," he continued.
So, a number of improvements must be started by various parties. "Such as reducing the cost of the campaign, strengthening the transparency of political fund sources, limiting cash transactions, and encouraging a simpler and idea-focused campaign model," he said.
In addition, the government can also finance the implementation of the campaign by providing campaign aids (APK). According to Budi, this method is included in a number of recommendations for the Corruption Prevention Study in the Implementation of Elections conducted by the KPK Monitoring Directorate.
"KPK also encourages the transformation of the campaign pattern to be simpler and more efficient. The public meeting model that requires large costs is considered to be reviewed and replaced with more effective methods, such as the use of digital media and social media," explained Budi.
"In this way, political competition is no longer dominated by the power of capital, but by the quality of ideas, work programs, and the integrity of candidates."
Meanwhile, during 2025 the KPK ensnared five regional heads through silent operations. They are East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Lampung Tengah Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang.
Next in 2026, 10 regional heads were charged through OTT. The details are the Mayor of Madiun Maidi, Regent of Pati Sudewo, Regent of Pekalongan Fadia Arafiq, Regent of Rejang Lebong Muhammad Fikri, and Regent of Cilacap Syamsul Auliya Rachman.
Then there is also the Regent of Tulungagung Gatut Sunu Wibowo, the Regent of Muara Enim Edison, the Regent of Kuantan Singingi Suhardiman Amby, the Regent of Langkat Syah Afandin, and the Regent of Sukoharjo Etik Suryani.
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