DPD candidates have yet to submit wealth reports

Almost half of the candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) representing Bali have yet to submit their wealth reports even though Wasti Atmodjo of the central KPU had set last Monday as the deadline for doing so.

The Bali General Elections Commission (KPUD) member, Dewa Raka Sandi, said Tuesday there were 13 out of 30 candidates who had yet to submit their reports.

"I don't know why but actually all they have to do is simply submit their bank account numbers," he said.

"There is no obligation to report the initial amount."

Those who have yet to submit their account numbers include, among others, Alit Kesuma Kelakan, Gusti Bagus Yudhara, Ida Ayu Agung Mas and Wayan Sudirata.

Raka said he would consult with the KPU on what action might be taken against the recalcitrant candidates.

Based on KPU regulations, candidates who have yet to report their campaigning teams, account numbers and initial funds could be banned from campaigning.

From candidates who have submitted their details, Nengah Wiratha has the highest campaign funds of Rp 52 million (US$4,339) while Nyoman Mudita has the smallest at Rp 250,000.

However, Kesuma strongly denied that he had yet to submit the details to KPUD.

"I have submitted my account number with an initial fund of Rp 5 million. Perhaps the KPUD did not thoroughly check the details," he said.

"I am also ready to be audited at the end of the campaigning period. That is our obligation. We are just being transparent."

Meanwhile, all political parties participating in the legislative elections have declared their campaigning teams, special accounts for campaigning and the amount of initial funds available.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has the most funds at Rp 85.3 million followed by the Golkar Party at 53 million and the Indonesian Nationalist Party of Marhaenisme (PNI Marhaenisme) with Rp 42 million.