Guess What?

Guess What?

A Javanese princess is usually portrayed as an elegant, soft-
spoken noblewoman who is universally regarded with awe.

But the stereotype does not completely fit Surakarta princess
Koes Moertiyah, who loves to position herself as a populist
politician of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan).

During the May 19 to June 4 campaign, she was a political
butterfly. She would appear on stage, five months pregnant, to
address party supporters.

Gusti Moeng, as the princess is fondly called, is the party's
legislative candidate for the constituency of Sukoharjo regency,
Central Java.

"But because I want PDI Perjuangan to win a landslide majority
in Surakarta, I attended all campaigning in the area," said the
40-year-old mother of a daughter, Long Ayu, 3.

She acknowledged her campaign performance was only so-so.

"I'm five months pregnant, you know, but I felt great. When
the campaigning was over, I suffered minor bleeding," she said.

The princess decided to enter the political jungle three years
ago, but the dream came true only a year ago when the winds of
reform started to sweep the country.

"If I finally find my way to Senayan (the House of
Representatives), I will still be vocal but rational in defending
the interest of the people and the palace.".(Antara)