KPK Alarm in a Political Year

The list of regional heads who have been implicated in corruption cases ahead of the 2024 general/regional elections is getting longer. This has caused alarm about the need to increase supervision in the political year.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO (TOK)

The suspect Mayor of Bandung Yana Mulyana (center) with other suspects after being questioned at the Corruption Eradication Commission building, Jakarta, Sunday (16/4/2023) early morning

In the latest case, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested the mayor of Bandung, West Java, Yana Mulyana in relation to alleged bribery in the procurement of CCTV cameras and internet network provider services in the city.

In the middle of March, the KPK arrested the regent of Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, Ben Brahim S Bahat and his wife, Ary Egahni, who is a member of the House of Representatives (DPR). Then, in early April, the KPK arrested the regent of the Meranti Islands, Riau, M. Adil.

All of the cases are allegedly related to preparations for the 2024 regional elections. Yana has been mentioned as being nominated again as the mayor of Bandung. Similar motives are thought to behind the cases involving Ben, Ary, and Adil, namely to raise operational funds for their renominations.

Also read:

> Political Costs Are, Indeed, Expensive

> Unraveling Corruption in the Regions

Filling coffers to pay off previous campaign costs, which have not yet been settled, while also packing new coffers for the next campaign to retain power, becomes a need as well as a temptation at the end of a term of office and before re-election.

Not a few regional heads have been tempted and finally caught in corruption. From 2004 to 2022, of a total of 1,519 suspects handled by the KPK, as many as 178 suspects were regional heads.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Meranti Regent Muhammad Adil wears a prisoner's vest after being questioned at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building, Jakarta, Friday (7/4/2023) midnight.

The British philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, once said, "the crown of authority does not just come down from heaven, but is installed by the will and decision of the people." Power is the mandate of the people. However, those who are involved in corruption seem to forget and transform into homo economicus, economic creatures who pursue wealth indiscriminately, justifying any means.

The problem, now, is that after the alarm sounds, what are the next steps for this country to take? We certainly hope that the KPK will increase supervision and be followed by all other law enforcement agencies. The ranks of the government's internal supervisory officers must also multiply supervision. No less important is the public who also have to watch every movement of regional head candidates, legislative candidates or presidential candidates who will advance in the election later.

Also read:

> Kapuas Regent and Wife Accused in Corruption to Cover Political Costs

Theoretically, according to Samuel Huntington, in the process of transitioning a country into a modern country, corruption can amplify. First, the standard of universal new norms is still not fully accepted. Second, the transition to a modern country creates new resources of assets and power so that corruption becomes a bridge between the owners of power and the owners of assets. Third, the scope of government and legislator tasks in modern countries is also widening so that the space for corruption becomes ever greater.

This situation ensures that the KPK’s alarm in the form of corruption action alone will not be effective enough to overcome it. Building a corruption-prevention system from upstream or the roots is no less important, it is vital.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.