Ex-policeman wins village head election

BOGOR (JP): A police first sergeant who resigned from the force to become a candidate for village chief in Bubulak, West Bogor, has won the election by defeating three other contestants.

In Monday's poll, Ade Wahyudin, 41, collected 1,763 votes, or 38 percent of the 4,609 votes, Bogor municipality spokesman Hari Harsono told reporters Wednesday.

The three other contestants, Adang Nadi, Acep Supardi and Mahpudi, received 1,133, 948 and 765 votes respectively.

"The three defeated candidates admitted Ade's triumph and have issued written statements to support Ade's administration to develop Bubulak (a village in West Bogor)," Hari said.

Ade was initially banned from participating in the election by the local committee due to his status in the police force.

A 15-year-old decree issued by the Ministry of Defense and Security stipulates that ABRI candidates in village chief elections must hold the minimum rank of sergeant major.

Ade's rank was two steps below the required rank.

The committee's decision apparently sparked anger among Ade's supporters.

On July 3, 500 of his devotees -- together with Ade -- packed the Bogor Mayoralty Office to question the committee's decision.

After a meeting with related officials, Ade finally agreed to terminate his police career.

"For the sake of the (Bubulak) people, I am willing to resign from the police," Ade, a law graduate and policeman of 20 years, said at that time.

His fans said Ade had been stationed in the village for almost five years but was already close to the whole community and has always paid serious attention to the needs of the village.

"He has given so much to the community. He even helps people who come to him in the middle of the night," said enthusiast Hidayat, one of Ade's fans. (24/bsr)