It is suspected that contenders for the regional races, slated for December 9, 2020, are being funded by sponsors – locally known as cukong demokrasi.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo
A number of residents\' vehicles pass billboards for the pair of candidates for mayor and deputy mayor of Depok in the 2020 simultaneous regional elections, near Tugu Margonda, Depok, West Java, Sunday (25/10/2020).
It is suspected that contenders for the regional races, slated for December 9, 2020, are being funded by sponsors – locally known as cukong demokrasi. This was a finding of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that has been confirmed by Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD.
According to Mahfud, based on data from the KPK, 82 percent of regional head candidates are being financed by cukong. As a result, Mahfud said that regional heads would be trapped in corruption policies that will burden the country. On the other hand, based on daily findings from October 26, 2020, dozens of candidates have been reckless with their capital. By owning more debts than assets, these individuals participate in the regional elections.
This daily finding was based on an analysis of the wealth reports of 1,474 regional head and deputy regional head candidates. The reports are self-assessed and rely on the honesty of the candidates.
The KPK’s quantitative data show that 82 percent are financed by cukong. Unfortunately, the data was not able to investigate who they were. Transparency and accountability, however, are needed to ensure that leaders adhere to political asceticism. For this reason, monitoring by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) is also considered important.
Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo
East Kutai Regent inactive Ismunandar (center) when he arrived at the KPK Building, Jakarta, Thursday (13/8/2020), for questioning. He is being investigated as a suspect in a bribery case for infrastructure work in East Kutai.
The elections call for political expenses. However, the issue is on how much is politically necessary. Expenses that are too large need to be repaid. At the same time, a candidate without money also makes no sense in Indonesian politics.
The history of Indonesian politics shows that people can change. Measuring one’s quality should not be in terms of wealth. One must be observed how they are when in office and when not. Candidates who were previously pro-people before the contestation could change easily once power rests in their hands. Power is charming. Power is electrifying. As a result, many people want to buy it, retain it or increase it.
Returning to the issue of the regional elections, especially amid the pandemic, we encourage the public to be critical regarding the data on the wealth of candidates. Particularly for candidates who are suddenly for the people and those who suddenly defend the interests of the people; the candidates who promise many things but with a budget deemed impossible to support. Pay attention to their track record during their tenure – Is it true that all the policies they supported were in the interests of the people? There is no need to be lulled by baseless rhetoric. Looking at track records and tracking commitments is important in selecting leaders.
As long as there has been no reform in political parties and the electoral system, be a critical, rational voter. There is no need to be an excessive worshipper or an excessive hater. There is no need to be dazzled by the abundant wealth of candidates or to sympathize with candidates who do not have wealth. Take political differences with ease. Because, in fact,
Indonesian politics is still understood as who gets what, when and how they got it. Political party reform is important.
