Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called for a shift toward lower-cost election campaigns, arguing that high campaign spending can create incentives for corruption after 15 regional leaders were arrested in corruption cases since the beginning of 2025.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said on Saturday that the agency is encouraging political parties and election stakeholders to adopt more efficient campaign methods, including greater use of digital platforms, to reduce campaign costs while allowing candidates to effectively present their programs.

“Campaign models that rely on costly mass rallies and large public gatherings should be reviewed and replaced with more effective methods,” Budi said.

He said the KPK wants political competition to be driven less by financial resources and more by the quality of candidates' ideas, policy platforms, and integrity.

According to the agency's research on corruption prevention in elections, high campaign costs and broader political spending are among the structural factors that increase corruption risks before and after candidates take office.

“When candidates spend substantial sums to secure political support, finance campaigns, and win votes, there is a tendency to seek funding from non-transparent sources or through corrupt practices,” Budi said.

He added that corruption prevention should not rely solely on arrests after offenses occur but also on reforms that reduce opportunities and incentives for corruption.

Since the start of 2025, the KPK has arrested one governor, one mayor, and 13 regents in separate corruption investigations.

Those detained in 2025 were East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang.

The officials arrested in 2026 were Madiun Mayor Maidi, Pati Regent Sudewo, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo, Muara Enim Regent Edison, Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby, Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, and Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani.

The agency said many of the cases involved allegations of kickbacks from government contractors, illicit payments linked to appointments and promotions within local administrations, and budget manipulation.