Indonesian Govt affirms budget allocation for two rounds of presidential election in 2024

INDONESIA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, has dismissed rumours suggesting that the government has allocated funds for only one round of the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres).

In a statement, President Jokowi clarified that the government has budgeted for both rounds of the Pilpres, even though the occurrence of a second round is uncertain.

Speaking to reporters at the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Station (KCJB) in Padalarang, West Bandung Regency on Wednesday (13 Sep), President Jokowi stated, “Yes, ask the Minister of Finance, it’s definitely been prepared.”

President Jokowi further emphasized that the allocated budget has been adjusted according to the estimated timeline of the Pilpres, expressing confidence that Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has already made the necessary budget allocations for the second round of the election.

The 2024 Simultaneous Elections are scheduled for 14 February 2024, including the presidential and vice-presidential elections.

Meanwhile, the second round of the presidential election is scheduled for 26 June 2024.

Indonesian election law stipulates that a second round is conducted if no candidate secures 50 per cent plus one vote in the first round.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri or Kemendagri) has also affirmed its commitment to providing funds in case the 2024 election proceeds with two rounds.

It assured that the Presidential Election (Pilpres) would be financed through the State Budget (APBN), while regional elections (Pilkada) would be funded through the Regional Budget (APBD).

The Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Benni Irwan, clarified the financial arrangements, saying, “The election budget will be financed by the APBN, and for the regional elections, it will be financed by the APBD. For more detailed information about the election budget needs, I recommend that everyone consult the KPU (General Election Commission) for the specific details of their requirements.”

Benni emphasized that both the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) support the allocation of funds for the election but stressed the need for clear calculations.

Additionally, if the election extends to two rounds, they will provide support for that as well, including financing the second round.

Regarding the recent budget discussions, a Joint Committee meeting between the DPR Commission II, the Election Commission (KPU), and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) on Tuesday (12 Sep) concluded with a budget allocation of IDR 28.3 trillion for the KPU and IDR 11.6 trillion for Bawaslu.

However, this budget is estimated to cover only one round of the Pilpres and does not align with the KPU’s initial proposal.

The KPU had initially requested IDR 44 trillion, including funds for the second round. Meanwhile, Bawaslu requires an additional IDR 4.6 trillion for the second round of the presidential election.

Illustration: Senayan Parliament Complex.

Previously, the government was said to have not confirmed the budget for the second round of elections. This caused concern among election organizers and members of parliamentary factions who questioned the government’s seriousness.

Vice Chairman of Commission II of the House of Representatives, Saan Mustopa, explained that, for now, the budget has been approved for one round. If the 2024 Pilpres goes into a second round, the budget for that round will be approved later.

“What is currently budgeted is for February 14th, and once the second round becomes a reality, the budget for the second round will be disbursed automatically,” said Saan when contacted by CNN Indonesia on Wednesday (13 Sep).

Saan clarified that the budget cannot be approved and disbursed at this time because the occurrence of a second round is uncertain.

However, he assured that the government has prepared the necessary funds. “Because the second round is not factual yet, we don’t know. If something doesn’t exist yet, how can we disburse the budget for it?” he questioned.

Saan also refuted the notion that the 2024 Presidential Election was only set for one round or contested by only two pairs of candidates, stating, “No, there is no such plan. It has been planned from the beginning for two rounds.”