KPK Highlights Transparency as Safeguard Against Political Corruption

RRI.CO.ID, Situbondo - The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says transparency in political financing is essential to strengthening the integrity of the political system and preventing corruption, particularly given the high costs that can create transactional relationships between candidates and their sponsors.

KPK Corruption Eradication Analyst Dion Hardika Sumarto said findings from the 2025 Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI) show that lower transparency in political spending is directly linked to a higher risk of corruption.

“Transparency in political funding is not just an election governance issue, but also key to preventing corruption and strengthening the integrity of the political system,” Dion said at a seminar held by LBH Mitra Santri in Situbondo on Friday, September 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that excessive political expenditures can make candidates dependent on donors and foster transactional relationships and conflicts of interest. The impact, he added, goes beyond financial flows and can influence public decisions and budget allocation.

Dion said conflicts of interest can be seen in the determination of aid recipients, the selection of tender winners, the issuance of permits or recommendations, and interventions in human resources, such as civil servant (ASN) ranking.

He argued that prosecuting individuals alone is not enough to eradicate political corruption. Reforming political and campaign finance governance is also necessary.

Dion said reforms should include clearer reporting requirements for donations, stronger monitoring of campaign finances by independent bodies, and disclosure of who funds whom to ensure transparency and manage conflicts of interest that could lead to abuse of office.

He added that transparency must be strengthened through clearer regulations on campaign financing, including limits on mandatory reporting, oversight of donations, and openness regarding parties providing financial support to candidates.

Dion cited KPK’s 2020 research showing that campaign costs for regent or mayoral elections can reach IDR 20 billion to IDR 30 billion, while gubernatorial elections may cost around IDR 100 billion.

Based on KPK studies, around 47 percent of sponsors or donors reportedly expect reciprocity, while 65 percent of regional head candidates said they were prepared to provide benefits to sponsors after being elected.

“These include determining aid distribution, selecting tender winners, issuing permits or recommendations, and intervening in civil servant (ASN) ranks,” he said.

Dion emphasized the need for reforms to the political funding system to create healthier political competition and prevent public resources and authority from being misused to benefit those financing the political process. ***