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Sri Mulyani warns politicians against abusing party funds
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On alert -- Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Agus Rahardjo (right) and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati (left) speak in a press conference on the arrest of a tax official in relation to a bribery case at the antigraft body headquarters in Jakarta on Nov.22. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A.)
F
inance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati warned on Sunday politicians against abusing the annual funding for political parties, which had been significantly increased by the government.
"The state budget is not for private gain, not to enrich oneself. The ideal purpose is to meet the national goals," Sri Mulyani said in her speech as quoted by tempo.co.
She said the party funding was designed to improve the capacity of political parties in carrying out their role as the people's political representation.
The government has increased funding for political parties from Rp 108 to Rp 1,000 per valid vote per year.
The Political Party Law stipulates that besides state funds, the financial sources of party funding also include members’ dues and legal donations from private agencies.
The Home Ministry said more money for political parties could help politicians carry out programs in a more accountable way.
Antigraft activists and officials said the increase should be followed with efforts to improve political parties' accountability.
