TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PDIP politician Chico Hakim responded to a statement by his party colleague, Hugua, who asked the KPU to legalize money politics. "(Hugua's) statement was no more than sarcasm," said the PDIP spokesperson in his official statement on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

According to him, Hugua was so fed up with the widespread practice of money politics during the 2024 election. Moreover, no action was taken regarding the practice, with election organizers and authorities seemingly ignoring it.

"In fact, in various places, it is alleged that this act was carried out not only by candidates but also by government officials from the lowest level to legal officials," said Chico. Chico said bribery in this country has reached an alarming level.

Previously, a member of Commission II of the House of Representatives or DPR from the PDIP faction, Hugua, asked the KPU (General Elections Commission) to legalize the practice of money politics during elections through KPU regulations.

"Don't we think money politics needs to be legalized with certain limitations? Because money politics is an inevitability," said Hugua at a working meeting with KPU on Wednesday, quoted from the official YouTube channel of DPR’s Commission II.

He claimed people would not vote for politicians who do not engage in money politics. Additionally, Bawaslu would find it easier to monitor if money politics were legalized with certain restrictions.

Hugua’s statement immediately sparked negative responses from anti-corruption activists and other political parties. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Seira Tamara was surprised by Hugua's statement.

"Saying that many would do it under the table if (money politics) is not legalized, is a dangerous thinking that will potentially further corruption practices,” Seira told Tempo on Wednesday.

Member of Commission II DPR from the PKS faction, Mardani Ali Sera, also responded to Hugua's statement. "In my opinion, this is dangerous. Money politics needs to be fought," said Mardani.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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