TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Political parties have not been fully transparent in reporting their campaign funds during the legislative election. The Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Fitra) secretary general, Yenny Sucipto, said that the agency has been promoting budget openness since the 2009 general elections. "But nothing is transparent," she said yesterday.
The General Election Commission (KPU) said it has received campaign financial reports from all parties yesterday. The total amount spent by 12 parties reached Rp 3 trillion. "The parties' financial reports will be audited in 30 days' time by the public accounting office," said Ida Budhiarti, a member of the KPU legal division.
According to Ida, the accounting office appointed by KPU will examine the reports based on the election law and the results will be published five days after the audit. "If they exceed the maximum amount or receive untraceable funds, administratively they owe some of the money to the state treasury. If they fail to fulfill the administrative responsibility, they will be punished," she said.
The Great Indonesian Movement (Gerindra) Party reported the largest amount of campaign funds. Gerindra treasurer, Thomas Djiwandono, said that the party spent Rp 434.945 billion and received Rp 435 billion in contributions from the candidates, companies and other individuals. "Expenses were for advertisements, logistics and meetings," he said.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) followed with Rp 404 billion of campaign funds. A large portion of it, Rp 60 billion, was spent on the party's attributes and advertisement. Olly Dondokambey, PDI-P treasurer, said that the party received Rp 395 billion in contributions. "We still have debts," he said.
NUR ALFIYAH | FEBRIANA FIRDAUS | YANDI M. ROFIYANDI