ICW Urges Immediate Discussion of Election Bill to Prevent Political Corruption

An investigator from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Egi Primayogha, has urged the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Government to immediately discuss the Draft Election Law (RUU Pemilu). According to him, discussing this regulation is urgent to prevent political corruption practices that are deemed to be increasingly rooted in Indonesia’s democratic system.

Egi believes the Election Bill currently stands at a crossroads. On one hand, it could serve as a vital instrument to improve political governance; on the other, it risks becoming a ‘victim’ of elite interests if not discussed seriously. “In truth, this Bill could have two fates. First, to become a hero, and second, to become a victim. This Bill is actually a tool to prevent, or at least contribute to, the problem of political corruption that is already deeply embedded in Indonesia,” Egi stated during a press conference in Jakarta.

However, he lamented that the discussion of the Election Bill has not yet become a priority for either the Government or the DPR. This situation is seen as reflecting a lack of political seriousness in addressing fundamental issues within the electoral system. Egi explained that political corruption occurs across various stages, from pre-election to post-election, forming a “vicious cycle.” He cited examples such as the misuse of public budgets for electoral interests, the maintenance of political patronage, and the close ties between political elites and donors with specific interests.

Furthermore, Egi highlighted issues such as political dowries, the buying and selling of nominations, money politics, and bribery between election participants and organisers. At the post-election stage, he noted that collusion and vote manipulation remain threats, citing previous corruption cases involving Constitutional Court judges as evidence of a weak democratic system.

Consequently, ICW, alongside a coalition of civil society, is pushing for several reform points in the Election Bill, particularly regarding the transparency of campaign funds. The current reporting system is deemed closed and difficult for the public to access. ICW is also proposing stronger investigative tools, stricter sanctions for campaign fund violations, and the disclosure of political donor identities, alongside reforms to ensure political nominations are based on meritocracy and to reduce high political costs.