Money has the influence to corrupt the political process and non-transparent political finance threatens democracy in the whole worldJakarta (ANTARA) - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives' (DPR's) Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Fadli Zon, has underlined the importance of a good system and strong mechanism for monitoring political finance.
"Money has the influence to corrupt the political process and non-transparent political finance threatens democracy in the whole world," he said in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Zon, without a good system, adequate regulations, and strong political finance monitoring, the function of democracy and long-term economic development will be hindered.
Therefore, DPR has remained committed to implementing the anti-corruption movement.
The issue was raised by South East Asia Parliamentary Against Corruption (SEAPAC), in collaboration with DPR's BKSAP, during the SEAPAC Conference and General Assembly, which is being held in Jakarta on Monday and Tuesday.
SEAPAC is an umbrella organization for parliament members in Southeast Asia in the field of anti-corruption. Zon is currently the chairperson of SEAPAC.
For its bi-annual event, SEAPAC has raised the theme of “Parliamentary Actions on Political Finance Oversight and Combating Green Corruption in Southeast Asia.”
Zon said that the theme is highly relevant to the current situation. Indonesia and several Southeast Asia countries will enter the political campaign period at the end of 2023.
According to Zon, declining regulations and monitoring of political finance—including funding of political parties, campaign funds, and third-party donations—lie at the root of corruption in many countries.
He said that there needs to be a way in which the parliament can act to improve regulations on political finance and its monitoring so that it is more transparent and free from corruption.
Zon further said he expects the international meeting to produce a fruitful discussion as well as regulations and mechanisms to strengthen the anti-corruption legislation system.
Formulating and adapting regulations on political financing transparency are the responsibilities of the parliament, he added.
Moreover, regulations should also be updated in order to handle current and future political challenges.
Parliament members from Indonesia and seven ASEAN countries, academicians, and anti-corruption activists are attending the SEAPAC Conference and General Assembly.
The meeting features speakers from various sectors, such as universities and government institutions, who have expertise and competence in politics, finance, and state finance audit.
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Translator: Boyke Ledy W, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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