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| Alleged Vote Buying Ahead of Serang’s PSU: Gakkumdu Team Arrests Suspect. |
As the re-vote (PSU) in Serang Regency, Banten Province approaches, the Integrated Law Enforcement Team (Gakkumdu) has arrested a man suspected of engaging in vote buying to support a local candidate pair.
The suspect, identified by the initials SD (35), is believed to be part of the campaign team for candidate pair number 01, AH and NN. He was apprehended in Kampung Pagadungan, located in Curug Salanjana Village, Gunungsari District, Serang Regency.
The Modus: Offering Cash to Win Voters' Support
According to Gakkumdu’s lead investigator, Commissioner Endang Sugiarto, SD was caught with a sum of money allegedly meant to be distributed to local voters as an incentive to choose candidate pair 01 in the upcoming re-election.
“Our team secured the suspect while he was in possession of IDR 450,000 in cash. The money was reportedly intended for distribution to voters in Kampung Pagadungan, at IDR 25,000 per person, to influence their vote in favor of candidate 01,” said Commissioner Endang during a press briefing on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Suspected Source of the Funds Under Investigation
During initial questioning, SD admitted that the cash was given to him by a man named Suheli, a resident of Kampung Kakabu, also in Curug Salanjana Village. Authorities suspect that Suheli may also be involved in the vote-buying operation.
Investigators seized the following evidence:
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Eighteen IDR 20,000 bills totaling IDR 360,000,
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Eighteen IDR 5,000 bills totaling IDR 90,000,
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One Samsung mobile phone allegedly used for coordinating the scheme.
Legal Process Ongoing
Commissioner Endang emphasized that further investigations will be carried out to uncover the extent of this vote-buying network and determine whether others were involved.
“The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone found to be involved will be processed in accordance with the law. We are committed to protecting the integrity of this election,” he stated firmly.
Why Vote Buying is Dangerous
Vote buying is a serious offense that undermines democratic values and erodes public trust in elections. Offering or accepting money in exchange for votes is not just unethical—it is illegal and subject to criminal penalties.
Such practices distort election results, often putting power in the hands of those who may not truly represent the people’s will. It's crucial for voters to remember that accepting short-term incentives like cash handouts could result in long-term losses for the community.
Community Participation is Key
The public plays a vital role in ensuring fair and honest elections. Authorities urge anyone who witnesses suspicious activities or vote-buying attempts to report them to election monitors, police, or relevant agencies such as Bawaslu and the KPU.
“Elections belong to all of us. Don’t let the future of your district be bought for just IDR 25,000,” said a local community leader who preferred to remain anonymous.
Hope for a Fair PSU in Serang
The upcoming PSU in Serang Regency presents an opportunity for voters to make their voices heard genuinely and responsibly. With active oversight by Gakkumdu and growing awareness among residents, the re-election is expected to proceed in a more transparent and lawful manner.
This incident serves as a reminder to all parties—candidates, supporters, and voters alike—that the democratic process must be upheld with integrity. Let’s hope for an election free from manipulation, where every vote counts and every citizen's choice is respected.
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