Blak=Blakan! Cak Imin Reveals the Price of Votes in the Regional Elections at Rp300 Thousand

Kapanlagi.com - The phenomenon of political money is resurfacing ahead of the Simultaneous Regional Elections in 2024, and the voice of PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar adds to the spotlight on this issue. In a survey he received, Cak Imin revealed that the price of one vote from the public could reach Rp300 thousand. This statement clearly illustrates the significant challenges faced in maintaining the integrity of democracy in the country.

"I recently spoke with a friend, the chairman of a party. He mentioned that one person could receive subsidies of up to Rp20 billion for legislative candidates. I said, if that were given to PKB cadres, one person could at least secure 3 seats," said Cak Imin while addressing the V National Conference of the Women's Wing of the Nation at Hotel Sultan on Saturday (30/11).

In this forum of the V National Conference of the Women's Wing of the Nation, Cak Imin also expressed his concern about how the practice of political money creates injustice in the competition among candidates for regional leaders. He praised PKB cadres who continue to fight without relying on such methods.

This statement certainly raises important questions about the future of democracy in Indonesia. Will we allow this practice to continue, or will we strive hard to create a more just and transparent system?

1. IDR 300 Thousand for One Vote, What Does Cak Imin Say?

In his inspiring speech at the V National Congress of Bangsa Women, Cak Imin revealed a shocking fact from a survey: to "buy" one vote from the people, a minimum fund of IDR 300 thousand is required! He emphasized that offers below this amount will not be accepted by the public.

Taking the example of Abdul Wahid, a PKB cadre who won the Riau gubernatorial election without spending money, Cak Imin showed that Wahid's success was based on ideas and data, not money politics.

"It is better not to spend money, because the people already know the value of their votes," he asserted, while reminding that the rampant practice of money politics actually undermines the quality of democracy and diminishes the meaning of the right to vote in our political system.

2. Money Politics and Unhealthy Competition

Cak Imin expressed his concern over the rampant practice of money politics that colors the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, especially at the local level. In his speech, he emphasized that competition filled with money politics creates injustice among the candidates for leadership. He firmly stated that PKB cadres remain committed to not falling into such dirty practices.

According to him, money politics is not only a threat to democracy but also hinders candidates who do not have financial strength to compete healthily. Cak Imin called for the need for a thorough evaluation to improve the electoral system to return to the principles that it should be based on: ideas, data, and integrity.

3. Success Story Without Money Politics

In the midst of concerns plaguing the political world, Cak Imin provides a glimmer of hope by highlighting the remarkable achievements of PKB cadre, Abdul Wahid, who successfully won the Riau gubernatorial election without getting caught up in money politics. Relying on intelligence and data analysis, Abdul Wahid proves that success in political contests does not always have to be measured by high costs.

"He said there are two capital factors used: brain and data," said Cak Imin.

This inspirational story emphasizes that there is still an opportunity for Indonesian democracy to operate in accordance with the principles of true justice.

4. Long-Term Effects of Money Politics

The phenomenon of money politics not only disrupts the electoral process but also undermines the quality of the resulting government. Candidates who win through shortcuts involving money often prioritize personal or specific group interests, sidelining the needs of the broader community.

Cak Imin emphasizes that this is a warning signal for Indonesian democracy, which is currently under threat. He calls on all elements of society to unite to prevent these corrupt practices, in order to restore the health of true democracy.

5. Steps Towards a Clean Regional Election

Responding to this concerning phenomenon, Cak Imin proposed the need for an in-depth evaluation of the regional election system (Pilkada). He believes that true change can only be realized if all elements, both political parties and society, unite in their determination to eliminate the entrenched practice of money politics in the election culture.

To that end, a crucial first step is to educate the public about the importance of voting based on vision and mission, rather than merely being tempted by money. In this way, we can achieve a fairer and more democratic Pilkada.

6. Why can the price of votes in Pilkada be expensive?

This interesting phenomenon reflects how money politics has seeped into the election culture in Indonesia, where the people's votes seem to become a commodity that can be bought with money to influence the election results.

7. Does money politics violate the law?

Although money politics clearly violates the law according to the election laws in Indonesia, this dirty practice often hides in the shadows, making it difficult to uncover and prove.

8. What is the impact of money politics on society?

The practice of money politics can be a poison for democracy, as it has the potential to elevate leaders who lack capability, which ultimately can harm public policy and threaten the welfare of society.

(kpl/frr)