KPK Proposes Cashless Elections, What About the Cash Restriction Bill?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is pushing for restrictions on the use of cash or physical currency during election stages as a strategic step to prevent money politics practices.

Amid this push, the status of the Cash Restriction Bill (RUU Pembatasan Uang Kartal) remains unclear in the Indonesian House of Representatives’ (DPR RI) legislative agenda.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the use of cash in the election process is still highly dominant and has the potential to exacerbate vote buying practices.

“This condition is seen to increase the opportunities for vote buying or money politics, which has long been a classic issue in electoral democracy,” said Budi in Jakarta on Saturday (25/4/2026).

The study involved four groups of resource persons: representatives of political parties, election organisers, electoral experts, and academics.

The results of the study have been reported to President Prabowo Subianto and DPR RI Speaker Puan Maharani.

In its report, the KPK conveyed three main recommendations.

First, regulatory changes to the Election and Regional Election Laws, including strengthening sanctions.

Second, revisions to the Political Parties Law, particularly regarding political education, cadre development, and financial reporting.

“Therefore, limiting cash transactions is viewed as one of the strategic steps in efforts to prevent corruption,” Budi said.

The KPK assesses that the widespread use of physical cash in elections serves as an entry point for repeated and hard-to-monitor political corruption, making restrictions on cash transactions an urgent need.