Ridho Al-Hamdi, an expert on politics and party systems at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta , believes that the high cost of politics in regional head elections is the main trigger for the recurrence of corrupt practices by regional officials.
"Regional elections are not a cheap process. When someone runs for regional head, they often receive support that then creates political favors. This situation has the potential to influence how a regional head runs their government," Ridho said.
Ridho made this statement in response to the increasing number of sting operations carried out by the Corruption Eradication Commission throughout 2026. As of mid-July, 16 regional heads were recorded as being caught in corruption cases, including the most recent case involving Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani, on July 10, 2026.
According to Ridho, the high cost of politics creates a domino effect on the quality of governance.
He explained that if the political recruitment process requires large funds, the risk of abuse of authority while in office will be higher, including the vulnerability to misuse of the regional revenue and expenditure budget (APBD).
"If the recruitment process is already expensive, then the post-incumbency process has the potential to be costly as well. As long as the political system allows for high political costs, the risk of abuse of power will remain," he said.
However, he emphasized that individual integrity remains a key determining factor, in addition to the administrative system. He believes a good system remains vulnerable to abuse if not run by individuals with integrity.
