KPK Proposes Government Funding for Election Campaign Props

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed that the government finance campaign props (APK) for general election participants to prevent corruption.

“One of the steps proposed is to increase the state’s role in campaign financing, particularly through the provision of campaign props for election participants,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Saturday.

According to Budi, the KPK views this as a way to prevent corruption because the proposal can help reduce the cost burden that election candidates must bear.

“In addition to creating fairer competition, this policy is also expected to reduce election participants’ dependence on funding sources that risk creating conflicts of interest,” he said.

“When candidates have to spend large amounts of money to gain political support, run campaigns, and secure voters’ votes, there is a tendency to seek non-transparent funding sources that risk originating from corrupt practices,” he stated.

Moreover, he said, political costs during elections are considered wasteful because they still rely on large quantities of campaign props.

“As a result, contests are often determined more by financial capacity than by the quality of ideas, track records, or the integrity of the candidates,” he said.

In 2025, the KPK arrested and named East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang as suspects in alleged corruption cases with various modus operandi.

Then, during 2026, the regional heads arrested and named as suspects include Madiun Mayor Maidi, Pati Regent Sudewo, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo, Muara Enim Regent Edison, Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby, Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, and Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani.