Limit Cash Transactions in Elections, Observer: Money Politics Can Be Suppressed

Jakarta - Professor of Political Science at the University of Indonesia (UI), Lili Romli, believes that the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) proposal to limit the use of cash during elections can prevent money politics practices.

Lili stated that such restrictions are important because money politics practices tend to increase from one election to the next.

She added that if all parties are serious about the issue of money politics, this proposal needs broad support.

“Besides suppressing money politics, it is also to suppress the high costs of elections. The complaint about expensive elections is actually due to money politics practices,” she said.

“Each candidate can spend lavishly on money politics, so hundreds of millions or even billions come out of the candidates’ pockets,” she added.

In addition, she believes there needs to be firm sanctions for perpetrators of money politics, both givers and receivers, to create a deterrent effect.

On the other hand, Lili assured that limiting cash usage will not hinder campaign activities. Because campaign methods can adapt to technological developments, such as through social media, podcasts, or dialogue programmes on television, as well as reducing open campaigns in the form of general meetings.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the regulation is needed because the use of cash during election stages has so far remained dominant.

“This condition is seen to increase the chances of vote buying, or money politics, which has long been a classic problem in electoral democracy,” said Budi to journalists in Jakarta on Saturday.