Hamzah exits race but still an idol for neighbors

Bambang Nurbianto Jakarta

The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) has finished counting 72.61 percent of ballots of the 6.87 million registered voters to date and the result shows that presidential candidate Hamzah Haz is definitely out of the race with only 2.35 percent of the vote.

However, he remains an icon for his voters and neighbors.

"His poor result in the presidential election is a surprise to me. I know Pak Haji well. He's a good Muslim and always helps the orphans, widows and the poor," said Tafsir, a neighbor of the United Development Party (PPP) chairman.

Living in Palmeriam, Central Jakarta, Hamzah is always seen praying at the mosque in front of his house, according to Tafsir.

Hamzah and running mate Agum Gumelar garnered the largest number of votes at polling station (TPS) 30 near his house.

Another neighbor Eka said Hamzah had not changed although he was the incumbent vice president. He always greets his neighbors while jogging along the narrow road beside the railway line that links Kota railway station and Bekasi.

However, since becoming the second most important person in the country, Hamzah is always surrounded by presidential guards.

"I don't think he's feels comfortable with that," Eka said.

As of 7:35 p.m., Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was still leading the provisional tally with 1,899,339 votes or 38.08 percent, followed by Amien Rais with 1,369,921 votes or 27.46 percent and Megawati Soekarnoputri with 1,122,459 votes or 22.50 percent.

Although Tafsir believes that Hamzah is the best candidate, he understands that his favorite failed to gain significant votes.

"I think Pak Haji is the best candidate, but other people think differently. He is still a good neighbor for us, that I am sure of," he added.

The KPUD announced that it has finished counting votes in Central Jakarta and Thousand Islands.

In Central Jakarta, according to the quick count, Susilo topped the tally with 189,715 votes or 33.99 percent while Megawati finished first in the Thousand Islands with 4,616 votes or 33.71 percent.