Gaining popularity a tough task for would-be governors

Gaining popularity a tough task for would-be governors

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Manokwari

A mother in her 30s jostled in the crowd, trying to get to the
front. While she was scrambling to the front, she asked her
colleague: "Where is Yorris?"

Her colleague, also a mother in her 30s, pointed at governor
hopeful Yorris Raweyai standing on a stage erected at Krida Tama
field, Manokwari, West Irian Jaya province.

"Ooh, I see. It is my first time to see him," said the first
mother.

Not only that mother, but most residents in the province do
not know Yorris, a businessman and a national youth figure who
has been nominated by Golkar Party in the race for the
governorship in West Irian Jaya province. The direct election to
elect the West Irian Jaya governor will be held on July 28. "I
have only seen his face on television or on campaign banners, but
I don't know his track record," said Sadiah, 24, a street vendor
from Cilacap, Central Java province.

Saidah has been living in Manokwari since 1981.

Not only Yorris, but candidates Abraham Atururi, the former
acting governor of West Irian Jaya and Dortheus Asmuruf, the
former acting secretary of the province, are also relatively
unknown.

If the public do not know the candidates, then how will they
vote? Jumriah, 35, said that she would vote for the candidates
based on the programs that they convey during the election
campaign.

But, still, for candidates, being popular is important in
order to be assured of votes.

For this reason, Yorris has been working hard in recent days
to reach out to people, and raise his popularity.

However, according to Yorris, gaining popularity in Papua is a
difficult business where a good number of people are still
illiterate and television and radio coverage is limited. Many
Papuans also still live in remote areas, making it difficult for
the candidates to reach them.

"Although it is tough, I have been visiting remote areas and
cities in West Papua over the past few days in order for people
to get to know me in person. So far, they have only heard about
me on television or in the newspapers, but they have never met me
in person," said Yorris.

Being known to the people is important, but people do not
necessarily vote for candidates based on popularity. People have
become much more astute. People will vote for leaders who can
deliver promises of prosperity and better living conditions for
the people.

"Only candidates who listen to the people will be elected in
the election. People need change," said farmer Sadjudin.

The direct gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya will be
participated in by 413,436 eligible voters out of 628,615
resident of West Irian Jaya province, which was established as a
new province in 2002. Whoever is elected in the July 28 election
will be the first governor of West Irian Jaya.

The province has eight regencies and one municipality, namely
Sorong municipality.

The voters will cast votes in 1,865 polling stations spread
across the province.