Village life in Indonesia.
The election of village heads or other terms in Indonesia, is now no different from the election of regional heads such as regents, mayors, or governors. In addition to the stages that resemble regional head elections, the preparation of each candidate is also not much different.
Each candidate has a vision and mission (as it should be), has a campaign team, and each candidate must even allocate campaign funds to influence voters' decisions. The issue of money politics is also something that rarely colors village head elections, whether it comes to the surface or takes place in silent operations.
The process of electing village heads, or keuchik, or datok penghulu, or reje, or other terms in Aceh or other provinces in Indonesia, is much different from the past. In the past, the atmosphere of competition was not as tight as it is now. In fact, the family atmosphere was thicker because there were village heads who were elected for several terms.
Not to perpetuate power or regeneration is not working, but because it is in accordance with the aspirations of the community and the village head does play a role as a protector, protector, leader, and even a role model for the community.
Village women in Indonesia hold a meeting to discuss women's empowerment activities.
On the one hand, the change creates a competitive atmosphere that can produce truly competent leaders according to the hopes of the village people. However, because of the material intervention in supporting the success of a candidate, it is difficult to avoid the horse-trading politics behind it.
The village-level leaders who are elected are no longer because of leadership character like the characteristics of the keuchik in the past, but candidates who are supported by strong material, either their own or supported by investors whose orientation is certainly economic or political gain.
It is not surprising that many village heads are then caught in corruption, such as what happened in Sekumur Village, Sekerak District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, who was sentenced to four years in prison in a corruption case of village funds worth Rp1.4 billion. Cases like this are seen in various places, although there are also many village heads who can be used as references because they have succeeded in managing village funds for welfare.
The solidarity of the village youth.
The abundance of village funds according to Law Number 6/2014 has made many community leaders interested in becoming village heads. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm is not based on the spirit of building village independence and progress, but the opportunity to abuse authority in managing village funds and assets.
Reports from various supervisory institutions, such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), show that village fund corruption continues to occur with various modes, ranging from project mark-ups, fictitious financial reports, to misappropriation of funds for the personal interests of village officials.
One of the main factors in the rampant corruption of village funds is weak supervision and low transparency in village budget management. The minimal involvement of the community in village financial supervision makes it easier for village officials to cheat. In addition, many village heads still lack the capacity to manage the budget so that they are easily tempted to abuse their authority.
Strengthening the supervision system, especially by the village community itself, is the main key. One solution that can be implemented is the use of digital technology in village budget transparency, such as an e-budgeting system that can be accessed by the public so that the community can participate in supervising the use of village funds directly.
Stricter law enforcement and a deterrent effect for perpetrators of village fund corruption must continue to be improved. Light sentences or simply dismissal will not be enough to reduce corruption rates. The application of strict sanctions, such as the revocation of political rights and the return of all state losses, needs to be enforced as a warning to other village officials.
Corruption of village funds is not just an administrative problem, but a betrayal of the common people who should enjoy the benefits of funds to build independent and prosperous villages.[]
Mutual cooperation is one of the ideologies of village communities in Indonesia which is increasingly being eroded by the progress of the times.