Strengthening Internal Oversight at KPU

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan, a suspect in a bribery case related to the replacement of a House of Representatives member for the 2019-2024 term, arrives at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to attend an Elections Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) ethics hearing in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/1/2020). The ethics hearing took place at a KPK detention house instead of at the DKPP office for security reasons.

Humans are actually anxious if they are monitored. Research in the United Kingdom found that “watching eyes” posters can significantly reduce theft.

The results of research conducted at three universities, where bicycle thefts often took place, show that the feeling of being watched is effective enough to suppress bad behavior. Cases of bicycle theft at those three campuses even decreased by 62 percent.

The Elections Organization Ethics Council (DKPP) also suggested that the General Elections Commission (KPU) strengthen internal supervision and control. The council made the statement after an ethics hearing for graft suspect Wahyu Setiawan, a KPU member who was detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Hopefully, there will be no more KPU members falling into unlawful behavior, such as corruption.

Wahyu allegedly received Rp 600 million (US$43,919) in bribes related to the replacement of a House of Representatives member. The DKPP is of the opinion that there was an omission from the elections commission, given the fact that Wahyu was able to meet in person with interested parties without other members of the KPU. There should be restrictions on conducting meetings that have the potential to lead to conflicts of interest. If such meeting is urgent, there should always be a third party in each meeting

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Elections Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) acting chairman Muhammad (second right), accompanied by council members Idha Budhiati (from left) Alfitra Salamm and Teguh Prasetyo, briefs reporters after an ethics hearing at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/1/2019). Wahyu Setiawan was reported to the council by the Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for his alleged involvement in a bribery case related to the replacement of a House of Representatives member for the 2019-2024 term.

Once an individual assumes this strategic job, KPU leaders and all staffers take an oath that in carrying out their duties and authority, they will work seriously, honestly, fairly and carefully for the success of elections. In fact, violations of the law still occur.

DKPP has also made regulations on codes of ethics and codes of conduct for election administrators. In fact, again, the 20-page rulebook was not strong enough to stop someone from violating the law, including through corruption.

Historian John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton (1834-1902) has long reminded that humans who have power tend to abuse their power.

Hopefully, this step can also quickly restore the image of the KPU which is now tarnished.

This is the moment for the remaining KPU commissioners to build awareness about the importance of building an internal control and supervision system. The KPU, now, is preparing technical instructions regarding the code of ethics and code of conduct for the organization of 2020 local elections. This quick response should be appreciated. Hopefully, this step can also quickly restore the image of the KPU which is now tarnished.

The alleged bribery case that involves the KPU must also trigger other state institutions to strengthen their internal control and supervision system so that not many other officials end up wearing the orange vests, becoming KPK detainees.

Of course, strengthening the oversight system is not a 100 percent guarantee. The UK study shows that the sharp decline of bicycle thefts in three locations was simultaneous with the increase of thefts in other complexes. We all need contemplation.