KPU Requires Rp12.5 Billion Budget for Technology System Development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - General Elections Commission (KPU) Chairman Mochammad Afifuddin stated that the KPU requires a budget of Rp12.5 billion for the development and capacity enhancement of technology to support the organisation of general elections, including the implementation of an e-voting system. However, the KPU has not yet included this in its additional budget proposal as it is awaiting discussions on revisions to the election law. He noted that technological development is unavoidable in order to better adapt.

“Our estimated requirement reaches around Rp12.5 billion, and this is one of the things we are pushing for. Of course, this still requires a lot of discussion and regulation within the law,” Afifuddin said during a meeting with Commission II of the House of Representatives at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Monday. He added that the budget does not yet include the development and use of an e-voting application for overseas voting.

Based on past experience, he said the organisation of elections abroad faces problems that must serve as lessons for all parties. He expressed hope that past election issues, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, would not be repeated. “Essentially, based on our reflection at the KPU and of course the lessons for all of us, we want the implementation of our elections to be better than before,” he said. He noted that the implementation of elections abroad usually takes place at a different time than in Indonesia, and the voting methods vary and are highly susceptible to misuse. “Because previously in Kuala Lumpur there was a revote, we didn’t have supervisors there. So perhaps because overseas they are generally aware and have mobile phones, we might need to propose e-voting,” said Rifqinizamy.