Jakarta – The Jakarta Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has reminded the heads of neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW) not to get involved in campaign activities for the 2019 presidential and legislative elections. Anyone found doing so will face sanctions in line with prevailing regulations.
South Jakarta Panwaslu chairman Muchtar Taufiq cited Elections Supervisory Agency Regulation No. 28/2018 in his warning. Violators could face two years in prison or be ordered to pay Rp 24 million (US$1,608) in fines.
"If they become members of a campaign team, there will be a [conflict of interest] because they receive operational funds from the city's budget each month," Muchtar said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.
Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 171/2016 on RT and RW guidelines also forbids RT and RW heads from taking part in political activities, Muchtar said.
He added that they should instead allow each candidate to campaign in their area and give them fair treatment. (cal)