KPK urges civil society in Situbondo to monitor corruption

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called on civil society organizations in Situbondo, East Java, to actively monitor and report potential corruption. During a seminar held by LBH Mitra Santri, KPK analyst Dion Hardika Sumarto emphasized that civil society serves as a vital pillar in combating corruption.

Sumarto highlighted findings from a KPK study conducted between 2017 and 2020, which identified high political costs as a major driver of corruption. The study noted that regency/city mayoral elections can cost between Rp20 billion and Rp30 billion, while gubernatorial elections can reach Rp100 billion. This financial pressure often creates dependencies on donors, leading to transactional relationships and conflicts of interest. According to the study, approximately 47 percent of sponsors expect returns, and 65 percent of regional head candidates expressed readiness to provide facilities to sponsors after taking office.