"Challenges and Contenders: Indonesia's High-Stakes Presidential Election"

Candidates running in Indonesia's regional legislative council elections are struggling with the high costs of campaigning, with some resorting to selling their kidneys to fund their political campaigns. Despite vote buying being illegal under Indonesian law, it remains pervasive, with candidates estimating they need significant amounts of money to secure votes. The high cost of campaigning has led some candidates to try crowdfunding, but with limited success. The practice of vote buying is attributed to the change in the voting system and the mentality of candidates wanting to win at any cost.