Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates

Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Centre for Electoral Reform (Cetro) issued on Wednesday a list of 109 women for political parties to recruit as legislative candidates during the upcoming general election.

Cetro spokesperson Erry Seda said the list was presented in response to complaints that qualified female candidates were few and far between.

"We expect that political parties will now use our database to recruit qualified female legislative candidates, and no longer pick women candidates just to attract voters," Erry said.

The list was part of a complete database of about 1,000 names of women nationwide Cetro plans to offer to political parties within the next three months.

The Election Law stipulates that parties can exercise a 30 percent quota of women in their total number of legislative candidates. Many have hailed the clause as a giant leap in the country's democracy, considering the fact there were only 45 among 500 House of Representatives legislators elected in the 1999 polls.

National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Alwi Shihab, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Deputy Chairman Roy B.B. Janis and Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Slamet Effendy Yusuf turned up for the database launching to scout for women candidates.

The 109 candidates were selected for their achievement and contribution to the community and their commitment to the process of democracy. They have all announced their interest in running for legislative seats in the House of Representatives and regional legislatures.

The women are varied by profession, ranging from kindergarten teachers to non-governmental organization activists. They are not affiliated to any political party.

Among the prominent names identified are, actress Nurul Arifin, Antara journalist Nurul Hayat and People's Consultative Assembly legislator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana.

The 30 percent quota ruling has sparked criticism for the use the word "can" without mentioning any sanctions should political parties fail to comply with it.

Many fear that the ruling opens the opportunity for parties to recruit female legislative candidates not based on their suitability or qualifications, but to use them only as vote getters.

Recently, several women activists vowed to boycott any political party that failed to implement the 30 percent quota for women candidates.

Nurul Arifin, who was also present at the database launching, said she welcomed her nomination after being recommended by fellow activists, however feared that political parties would only use her fame to attract voters.

"Thus far, two parties have approached me to involve me in their programs. I have to be cautious about not being used as a vote getter, therefore, I have not announced my commitment," she said, declining to name the parties.

Indonesia will hold its first ever direct elections in 2004, with the legislative election taking place on April 5 and the presidential election between June and August.