Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – The Association for Elections and Democracy, Perludem, has uncovered serious allegations of widespread money politics during the campaign and quiet period of the 2024 regional elections in North Sumatra, Central Java, and Jakarta.
Perludem researcher Ajid Fuad Muzaki did not elaborate on the exact amounts involved. However, the organization has documented various methods used to influence voters in each region.
"The methods of money politics varied significantly across these regions," Ajid explained during a press conference on Perludem's findings in Jakarta on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Ajid explained that Perludem uncovered allegations of cash distribution through envelopes in both North Sumatra and Central Java during the final stages of the campaign. The sums varied, ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp120,000. These payments were intended to secure votes for specific gubernatorial and regent candidates.
"The money was meant to influence votes for a particular pair of candidates, both for the gubernatorial and regent positions," Ajid clarified.
In Central Java, Perludem identified instances of religious organizations mobilizing their substantial followers to vote for specific candidates through the distribution of gifts and rewards.
In Jakarta, the election watchdog found that money politics was allegedly carried out through the provision of transportation and meal allowances during large-scale campaign events, with payments disbursed afterward.
Additionally, another Perludem researcher Haykal uncovered instances of distributing groceries and cash-filled envelopes bearing the attributes of specific candidates, often executed discreetly in the early morning or late evening.
Haykal added that money politics was also carried out through digital wallets and the deployment of officials to solicit votes for specific candidates.
Perludem's monitoring efforts spanned 10 days, encompassing 6 days of the campaign period, 3 days of the quiet period, and 1 day of voting day. The focus areas included North Sumatra, Central Java, and Jakarta.
Haykal emphasized that Perludem's findings are preliminary and subject to further analysis and investigation to reach definitive conclusions.