KPU and fund spending

KPU and fund spending

From Suara Karya

I fully agree with Amir Hamzah of the Media Watch and Consumer
Center, when he stated in the mass media that any request for
funds made by a member of the election commission (KPU) must be
carefully examined.

I've read in one media publication that a KPU member, Ramlan
Surbakti, has requested Rp 125 billion from the regional
administration to cover the deficit in its budget for the 2004
general election. I've also read that some Rp 2.3 trillion has
yet to be utilized.

The request is really strange. Who knows that if this request
is met, then the other eleven members of the commission will not
go their own ways to look for money to finance their own
operations?

In fact, members of the commission must utilize the Rp 2.3
trillion already allocated as best they can, and then draw up a
proper accountability report on this spending. They must not be
extravagant with the funds, which is actually the people's money.

The fund allocated for the organization of a general election
must be well accounted for and must not fall into the wrong
hands.

SUNARWAN, Jakarta