Indonesia KPK urges state funding of election campaign tools to curb graft

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has warned that the high cost of political campaigns fuels corruption among elected officials. Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said that fifteen regional heads who won the 2024 local elections have been detained and named suspects in graft cases between 2025 and July 2026, underscoring the urgency of reform.

KPK proposes that the state take a larger role in financing election campaign materials (APK) to lessen candidates’ financial burdens and reduce reliance on opaque funding sources. "Salah satu langkah yang diusulkan adalah memperbesar peran negara dalam pembiayaan kampanye, khususnya melalui penyediaan alat peraga kampanye bagi peserta pemilu," Prasetyo told journalists. The agency also called for a review of large rally-style campaigns, suggesting a shift toward digital platforms to ensure competition is based on ideas rather than money.

According to KPK, the proposed measures aim to create a fairer political arena, curb the temptation for candidates to seek corrupt financing, and ultimately lower the incidence of graft before and after elections.