Basofi better known as singer

SURABAYA: The flamboyant Basofi Soedirman found out yesterday that most local people knew him as a dangdut folk singer rather than as their governor.

While visiting a polling station near the city, he was treated like a pop star. Children, youths and mothers fought to get close to him.

Some wanted to shake hands and others asked him for autographs. And he did not mind at all, Antara reported.

When asked who Basofi was, a middle-aged woman promptly replied, "That's Basofi the dangdut (singer). I have a cassette of his latest album."

Smiling, Basofi turned to the woman and asked, "Which song do you like best?"

"Fatamorgana, mister," she said with a thick Madurese accent.

Basofi seemed impressed by the conversation. But on his way home by bus, he complained: "Why do people know me as a dangdut singer rather than as a governor?"

Dangdut is highly popular among the poor, but is often sneered at as hick. (pan)