Independent Report – The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has stated that corruption is not solely caused by the lack of funding for political parties. Arya Fernandes, Head of the Politics and Social Change Department at CSIS, believes that increasing state funding for political parties through the state budget (APBN) can help reduce corruption. However, he emphasized that this relationship is not direct or automatic.
According to Arya, while additional funding might contribute to lowering corruption, it does not necessarily guarantee a decrease. The root causes of corruption extend beyond the financial constraints faced by political parties. He pointed out that much of political corruption stems from the abuse of authority over the state budget, bribery involving public officials, and corrupt practices in procurement of goods and services. These problems cannot be solved simply by increasing party funds.
Arya explained that there is no certainty that increasing state funding for political parties will directly reduce corruption. He stressed that the contribution of added funding is limited and should not be viewed as the sole solution to corruption. Increasing the budget does not automatically translate to a decline in corrupt behavior.
He also mentioned that financial support from the state is important to help political parties cover their operational costs, which can be quite substantial. The demands on political parties in Indonesia are high, and without sufficient funding, parties often struggle to maintain their day-to-day activities.
Arya elaborated that party funds should at least cover monthly expenses such as office rent, salaries for secretariat staff, and other administrative costs. Since the law requires political parties to have offices in every province, the operational costs become significant. Therefore, he believes it is the state’s responsibility to subsidize political parties to ensure they can operate properly.
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In addition to helping with operational costs, increased funding could reduce political parties’ dependence on wealthy donors or party leaders who act as financial patrons. Arya noted that if parties rely less on a few wealthy individuals for funding, political competition would be healthier. Otherwise, those with money hold disproportionate power in deciding election outcomes.
This reduction in dependency could lead to a more competitive political environment, where success is not solely determined by financial backing. Arya emphasized that without reducing this dependence, the political playing field remains uneven, favoring those with deeper pockets.
Another important effect of increased party funding, according to Arya. He is the potential for political parties to engage more actively with the public. Better-funded parties can improve their outreach and education programs, which are essential for increasing political awareness and participation among citizens.
With more resources, political parties can improve their political education initiatives, including socialization and recruitment of talented members. This would help raise the quality of political cadres and leaders, which in turn could lead to better policymaking.
Arya stressed the importance of political education as a means to create a more informed and critical electorate. When political education is prioritized, the public becomes more aware of political processes and more capable of critically evaluating political actions and policies.
He concluded by emphasizing that enhancing the quality of political parties through proper funding could benefit the entire democratic process. Well-funded parties are better positioned to educate the public, develop strong leaders, and contribute positively to governance.
In summary, while increasing state funding for political parties may help reduce corruption. It is not a guaranteed or direct solution. Corruption arises mainly from abuses of power and systemic issues in governance. Nonetheless, funding support can improve party operations, reduce undue financial dependence, and strengthen political education all of. Which are important for healthier political competition and better governance.
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