Money politics in elections has been a crucial issue and can render discord in community. Responding the problem, Hargomulyo, Kukop, Kulonprogo declared as an anti-money politic village on Sunday (20/1) in a village hall of Hargomulyo. Some parties attended the declaration as Chairman of Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) of the Republic of Indonesia, Bawaslu of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), representatives of political parties, a number or community organizations, and Vice Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). Besides, Bawaslu of RI signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UMY.

Vice Rector for Cooperation and International Affairs of UMY Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, M.Sc. conveyed that political education should be undertaken by all parties including higher education. “Higher education institutions should enhance public understanding of good politics since a political condition is getting worse due the money politics. Even though raising public awareness is arduous, we will always try to do it,” declared Nurmandi.

Additionally, the MoU was regarding lecturers’ research on politics, seminar on political education, and sending 50 students to be volunteers in elections on 23 March to April 2019. The cooperation is expected to encourage people to eradicate the money politics.

“We hope that we can educate community to be human beings having integrity and refusing to receive the money. Thus, we can elect a trustworthy leader,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Bawaslu of RI Abhan, S.H., M.H. emphasized that the money politics in elections is crime. Corruption is commenced by the money politics during a campaign period. Hence, he encourages all parties to prevent the money politics. “If we would like to eradicate corruption, we have to start from the base point because the money politics will bear leaders who will prioritize their own interests over people’s interests. To carry out peaceful elections needs courage and begin with family and villages,” he maintained.