TRENGGALEK – Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa in Trenggalek has given cash rewards to former legislative candidates who failed to win seats in the 2024 election. The move aims to maintain party unity and keep local cadres motivated ahead of future political contests.

The local PKB branch handed rewards to 15 former candidates who did not enter the regional legislative council, or DPRD. Party leaders said those candidates still played an important role in helping PKB collect votes across the district.

Sukarodin, chairman of PKB Trenggalek, said the party wanted to recognize their hard work during the election campaign.

He explained that PKB calculated the reward at Rp 3,500 for every vote won by each candidate. The amount differed from one person to another because each candidate earned a different vote total.

Some candidates received tens of millions of rupiah because they secured strong support in their electoral areas.

“We understand that their struggle was not easy. They worked hard to gain support from the public. Even though they have not entered the council, we see this as a delayed victory,” Sukarodin said during an event at the PKB office on Saturday.

The party only included candidates who won at least 350 votes. PKB multiplied each candidate’s vote total by Rp 3,500 to determine the final amount.

Sukarodin said the program also helps protect morale inside the party. He added that PKB wants its cadres to stay active before the next election cycle begins.

PKB won 11 seats in the Trenggalek regional legislature during the 2024 election. Out of 34 unsuccessful candidates, 15 reached the minimum vote threshold and qualified for the reward.

The party runs the program every Ramadan. Leaders use it to appreciate cadres and strengthen political communication with supporters in local communities.

“We want our candidates to remain enthusiastic. They are still part of the party’s strength because they helped increase PKB’s vote in Trenggalek,” Sukarodin said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Iman Sukri, a member of Indonesia’s national parliament, said the event also strengthened internal ties before Eid al-Fitr.

Party officials also distributed food packages and sarongs during the gathering.

“Today we gave rewards to PKB candidates who were not elected. The amount matched the number of votes they earned,” Iman Sukri said.

Satam received the highest reward. Other recipients included Imam Rosyidin, Amin Tohari, Joko Prasetyo, H. Riyono, Haryono, M. Shofa Rohmana Mubarok, Anugerah Iskandar Putra, Djumiati, Adik Nur Azizah, Heru Budi Kuncoro, Aisah, Etta Yuni Astuti, Jalaludin Fajar Permadi, and Margono.

Iman Sukri said PKB expects the program to keep cadres united and encourage them to continue serving residents in their own areas.