TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The East Java Elections Supervisory Committee (Bawaslu) found an indication of money politics involving several legislative candidate in the province. Sugeng Pudjiatmiko, a member of Bawaslu Enforcement Division, said there were reports of bribery from local committees monitoring the election process in local areas.
"There are indications of candidates' resorting to money politics," Sugeng told Tempo in his office on March 24. He said one case in Sidoarjo involved a candidate from the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) giving out money to the local people. One candidate from The Democrat Party handed out Rp 20,000 during a campaign in Malang last Saturday. Sugeng said the case was still being investigated by Bawaslu and the police.
Evidence of Money politics was also found in the Manukan area, Surabaya. The supervisory committee found a package with a legislative candidate’s picture who is now a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from Golkar Party, filled with two kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of sugar, 1 liter of cooking oil, five packages of instant noodle and Rp 20,000 in cash. The committee successfully prevented the distribution of those packages.
Sugeng admitted that money politics was a clear campaign violation that is hard to prove. Despite the supervisory committee reports on money politics, often the case is dropped by the police and the court because there is usually not enough witnesses or material evidence.
Sugeng said that not all money politics allegations end up being investigated. However two cases involving candidates from Hanura and the National Awakening Party (PKB) are now awaiting trial. Bawaslu will recommend that the General Elections Commission (KPU) annul their candidacy if they are found guilty.
AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI | ISTIQOMATUL HAYATI
