Political Costs Are, Indeed, Expensive

We do not know what is in the minds of some politicians in this country. It seems they never learn, and just keep getting involved in corruption.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak (center) exposed the detention of the Kapuas Regent, Ben Brahim S Bahat, and his wife who is a member of the DPR for the Nasdem Party faction, Ary Egahny at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (28/3/2023).

The latest one, as reported by this daily, on Wednesday (29/3/2023), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), was the recent arrest of a pair of politicians, Ben Brahim S Bahat and his wife, Ary Egahny. Ben is the regent of Kapuas, Central Kalimantan; Ary, a member of the House of Representatives from Nasdem Party. They are not the first pair of politicians in this country to be arrested by KPK due to their involvement in corruption.

Ben and Ary are suspected of committing corruption to fund their political expenses, in regional head elections and legislative elections, in addition to paying pollsters and making ends meet. Ben is suspected of receiving gratuities from private parties, while Ary is suspected of asking for money or luxury items from a number of work unit heads in Kapuas regency. The two are estimated to have received Rp 8.7 billion (US$578,790) in corruption proceeds.

Also read:

> Kapuas Regent and Wife Accused in Corruption to Cover Political Costs

> Unraveling Corruption in the Regions

Ben and Ary have been named suspects and detained by the KPK. The alleged ways they obtained illicit wealth and money were also "primitive", easy to uncover and easy to prove. The majority of politicians and regional heads, who were involved in corruption and arrested by the KPK and other law enforcers, implemented such an easy method of corruption.

It does not mean that politicians, regional heads or anyone else are allowed to conduct corruption, if they use sophisticated, meticulous methods that are difficult to detect. The “primitive" and simple method of corruption is at the same time reflective of the quality of politicians, regional heads or perpetrators of corruption in this country. They want to get money or property easily and instantly.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Handcuffs shackled the hands of the Kapuas Regent, Ben Brahim S Bahat, and his wife who is a member of the DPR from the Nasdem Party faction, Ary Egahny, while heading to the exposure room at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (28/3/2023).

They do not want to learn from their predecessors who are easily exposed. Or, they really cannot and do not want to learn because they only know such a simple method. How ironic is the fate of this nation and state, as well as its people. Their future depends on politicians, regional heads or state administrators who think and behave only in a simplistic way. They have no ideals, and they know only to enrich themselves and their families.

Political costs are indeed expensive. Many politicians are trapped in corruption because they have to finance their political passions, such as wanting to become people's representatives, regional heads or state officials. KPK data show that from 2004 to 2022, as many as 343 members of DPR and Regional Legislative Councils (DPRD) and 78 regional heads were involved in corruption. In addition, there were also other l 310 echelon I, II, III and IV officials managed by the KPK. They were the greater part of the 1,519 people handled by the KPK.

A leader must always be introspective and try to make the best contribution to society, nation and state. Not corruption...

The political costs are high and those who want to enter politics should be aware of the situation. They cannot buy votes forever. They have to learn from figures who can get real support from the public because they have their contribution to the people. They have to show a real action and care to the people. Politics is a way to work for the welfare of the people, and not to enrich themselves.

A teaching from the ancestors of this nation to the leader is mulat sarira hangrasa wani. A leader must always be introspective and try to make the best contribution to society, nation and state. Not corruption...

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.