"The current system of politics or general election is too spendthrift," he said at a public seminar held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies here on Thursday.
Sugiarto revealed that President Prabowo had summoned him prior to his appointment as a member of the Red and White Cabinet and asked him to make improvements to Indonesia's electoral system
He said that the President had called for determining a solution to make the voting system more efficient and save the budget.
The deputy minister noted that some observers, researchers, politicians, and members of the public share the President's views on the shortfalls of the current electoral system.
"The voting procedure has led to high political costs, money politics, and other problems. Aspirations and complaints have been voiced from here and there," he pointed out.
In addition, excessive budget mobilization for electoral purposes in some regions has depleted funds originally specified for other purposes, he said.
"We should not spend too much on the implementation (of an election). In many regions, budgets for other purposes were nullified (due to excessive electoral spending)," he explained.
Bearing that in mind, Sugiarto said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently formulating strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of the system, which is expected to be implemented after the 2024 simultaneous regional head elections.
"This is a very appropriate moment to augment (the electoral system) because we are aiming for effective and efficient governance," he emphasized.
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Translator: Khaerul I, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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