Baduy people immune from election fever

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

Baduy people living in Kenekes village, Leuwidamar district, Lebak regency, Banten, will not take part in Monday's election, according to the Banten provincial General Elections Committee (KPUD).

"Nothing has changed in the Baduy community. They will not cast their votes on Monday, just as in previous elections," KPUD chairman Indra Abidin told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

The Baduy people argued that a Kawalu (traditional ceremony) was ongoing from March to May and therefore they could not take part in the election, in order to adhere to their culture and tradition.

In 1999 they also avoided the election for the same reason, but at that time the election fell on June 7. The Baduy representative said earlier that due to changes and greater political freedom, they had requested exemption from the election.

"We are forbidden by our ancestors ... to be involved in politics, to lie or to take sides," Baduy leader Dainah said.

According to Pikiran Rakyat local daily, the Baduy people had always participated in elections until 1997.

"The senior residents of Baduy considered politics against our culture. They were warned by our ancestors' spirits. We have to obey what our senior residents have said," Dainah was quoted as saying by the daily.

Banten province administration recorded around 4,000 Baduy people living in the village.

"Candidates for the legislature in Lebak regency will have to make do without the votes of Baduy people. It's too bad, because we've made a variety of serious approaches to them," Indra said.

He said that the KPUD only found out that the Baduy people had requested exemption from the election when the committee was preparing to establish polling stations in the village.

"They banned KPUD members from setting up polling stations in their village. They said none of the Baduy people would cast their votes in the election," Indra said.

Dainah, who claimed to have delivered the request to the KPUD three months ago, expressed relief that the KPUD finally passed on their request to the government and the KPU.

"Although we will not vote, it doesn't mean we will separate from Indonesia. We are still Indonesians. We are praying for the best, whatever the result of the election," Dainah said.