Why public funding for parties matters
This model aims to reduce dependence on private donors and promote fairer political competition. However, public funding also requires strict accountability. Parties must submit annual financial reports that can be audited. When reporting systems fail, public trust and democratic integrity can suffer.
How the research was conducted
The researchers used a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through:
- Direct observation of fund management and reporting processes.
- Interviews with officials from the Agency for National Unity and Politics (Kesbangpol) and party administrators.
- Review of administrative documents, financial reports, and relevant regulations.
The analysis focused on three main areas: how funds were used, how reports were prepared, and what obstacles affected compliance. This approach provided a detailed picture of daily administrative practices rather than only formal rules.
Key findings
The study identifies several recurring problems in the 2019–2024 period:
Late fund disbursement Financial assistance was often released in October or November. Parties then had very limited time to carry out activities and prepare accountability reports before the fiscal year ended.
Incomplete documentation Required documents were frequently missing or needed repeated correction. These included legalized leadership structures, activity plans, proof of previous reports, and supporting financial evidence.
Use of funds not fully aligned with rules Some parties did not consistently meet the requirement that 60% of funds be used for political education. This weakens the main purpose of the subsidy program.
Delayed or missing accountability reports Several parties submitted reports late or not in full compliance with administrative standards.
Ineffective sanctions Regulations allow suspension of assistance for parties that fail to report. In practice, sanctions were not enforced, and all parties continued to receive funds. This created what the researchers describe as an accountability gap.
Implications for governance and democracy
The findings have broader relevance beyond
Tabalong. Public funding for political parties is designed to strengthen
democratic institutions. When reporting systems are weak, the policy risks
becoming symbolic rather than effective.
For local governments, the study highlights the need to:
- Release funds earlier in the fiscal year.
- Use digital systems for document verification.
- Apply sanctions consistently when reporting rules are violated.
For political parties, the research points to
the importance of professional financial management. Training in bookkeeping,
archiving, and compliance could reduce errors and improve transparency.
For policymakers, the case shows that
oversight mechanisms must be as strong as funding mechanisms. Without credible
enforcement, rules lose their deterrent effect.
Author profiles
Nurel Hereyani – Public
administration scholar, STIA Bina Banua Banjarmasin, specializing in public
sector governance and political institutions.
Septeria Noor Yuliannisa –
Researcher in public financial management at STIA Bina Banua Banjarmasin, with
expertise in accountability systems and administrative policy.
Muhammad Jamili – Academic
at STIA Bina Banua Banjarmasin focusing on regional governance and
institutional management.
Sources
Nurel Hereyani,Septeria Noor
Yuliannisa & Muhammad Jamili “Analysis of the Use of State Budget Financial
Assistance for Political Parties in Tabalong Regency: A Study on the Agency for
National Unity and Politics for the 2019–2024 Period.” Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS) Vol. 5 No. 1, 2025, hlm. 57-66.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i1.522
URL Resmi: https://srhformosapublisher.org/index.php/fjas
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