Unlike previous years, 2024 began with a “heated” competition among politicians vying for public attention in various ways. From installing banners and billboards along the streets to making visits to remote and secluded areas and even staying in residents’ homes, these activities undoubtedly require significant funding, hence the substantial campaign funds supported by their political parties.
2024 Election Campaign Funds
Data released by the General Election Commission (KPU) regarding the Initial Campaign Fund Report (LADK) of Political Parties Participating in the 2024 General Election at the National Level shows the total campaign funds from all national political parties amounted to IDR 349.3 billion. This staggering amount is somewhat distressing, especially considering Indonesia’s responsibility towards its 28 million impoverished citizens struggling to meet their daily needs.
While these hundreds of billions in campaign funds might be intended for national interests, the traditional methods of campaigning through billboards and large banners focus mainly on introducing names, faces, and candidate numbers, offering little more.
If these vast sums were solely used for banners, billboards, or small concerts in villages without conveying a clear vision and mission, it would seem rather unwise. This is especially concerning if the funds originate from donations by specific groups or companies, potentially leading to vulnerabilities in power misuse and authority if those candidates are elected, given their obligations for repayments and reciprocal politics.
Baca juga: Pedoman Memilih Pemimpin dalam Islam, Syarat Pokok Ini Wajib Dimiliki
Converting 2024 Election Campaign Funds into Acts of Kindness
On the other hand, these substantial campaign funds could be utilized for long-term impactful acts of kindness through flagship programs by Dompet Dhuafa set to run during Ramadan 1445 H. What could we achieve for those in need if these funds were redirected into acts of kindness?
● Treat Your Brothers and Sisters
The Treat Your Brothers and Sisters program is about buying nutritious food packages for iftar for the less fortunate. Valued at IDR 25,000 per person, converting the 2024 election campaign funds into this act of kindness could allow nearly 14 million people to enjoy nutritious iftar meals. It also means that 465,792 individuals could benefit from free iftar meals throughout the fasting month.
● Basic Necessities for the Needy
Basic Necessities for the Needy is dedicated to underprivileged communities, this program offers basic necessities packages valued at IDR 150,000 each. Redirecting the campaign funds into this kindness could assist 2.3 million underprivileged people with essential supplies.
Baca juga: Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Pemimpin Islam yang Perlu Diteladani
● Gifts for Orphans
Another act of kindness that could broadly reach the less fortunate with the 2024 election campaign funds is the Gifts for Orphans program. Through this program, orphaned children receive school kit packages, supporting their educational pursuits. Requiring IDR 250,000 per package, the campaign funds could bring happiness to nearly 1.4 million orphans with these gifts.
● Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM)
Dompet Dhuafa consistently and routinely carries out the Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises program, especially prominent during Ramadan, focuses on buying products from UMKMs to provide free takjil. With each UMKM purchase valued at IDR 2 million, the campaign funds could benefit 174,672 UMKMs.
● Water Wells and Pipelines in Remote Areas
To address climate crises and water access issues, this program invites donors to provide clean water access to needy communities. Each well or pipeline construction costs IDR 35 million, meaning the campaign funds could construct 9,981 wells/pipelines across 36 provinces, especially in Indonesia’s remote areas.
Therefore, Dompet Dhuafa presents the Water Wells and Pipelines in Remote Areas program. This program is initiated to invite donors to provide access to clean water for communities in need. It also serves as a concrete way to make a positive impact and assist isolated communities during droughts and dry seasons. Each water well or pipeline construction requires funds valued at IDR 35 million. With campaign funds worth hundreds of billions, Dompet Dhuafa could build 9,981 wells/pipelines in 36 provinces in Indonesia, especially in remote areas of the archipelago. Imagine if that were realized, how many communities would be helped with those hundreds of billions of funds? A vast number.