Herbal drink seller gains power for self
Herbal drink seller gains power for self
Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap
Probo Yulastoro, 36, who has been selling herbal drinks or jamu
for years made history on Thursday when he was elected regent of
Cilacap in Central Java for the 2002-2007 period.
Yulastoro, who was nominated by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan), would be the first civilian to lead the regency.
His running mate Thohirin Bahri was nominated by the Muslim-
based United Development Party (PPP) of Vice President Hamzah
Haz.
Yulastoro and Thohirin collected a total of 25 votes to defeat
other candidates fielded by the National Awakening Party (PKB)
and Golkar Party.
Daeng Muhtadi and Sonhaji, who were nominated by PKB, garnered
16 votes, while Rono Seputro and Bambang Wahono of Golkar
collected four votes.
During the election, about 300 PDI Perjuangan cadres staged a
demonstration in support of Fran Lukman, speaker of the local
legislature (DPRD).
"The party's meeting agreed to nominate Pak Fran, but why is
he not running for the post?" asked Rasiono, one protester.
The demonstrators, however, were unable to approach the
legislative compound because the area was blocked by security
personnel.
"We don't understand the election process. Why was the
controversial jamu vendor nominated by PDI Perjuangan? We believe
there is money politics involved," Rasiono said without
elaborating.
The election on Thursday was held under tight security. Anyone
who could not produce an identity card was not allowed to
approach the compound.
Meanwhile in Karanganyar, Central Java, an elementary school
teacher Rina Iriani, 40, was also elected regent.
Rina and her running mate Sri Sadoyo Hadjomiguno, who were
nominated by the Reform Faction (FP), garnered 25 votes.
Their competitor Goenadi Wirjosoekardjo, nominated by PDI
Perjuangan collected 11 votes, and Sudewa of Golkar won eight
votes.
With the election of Rina Iriani as Karanganyar regent, the
province of Central Java today has three female regents. The
other two regents are Rustriningsih of Kebumen and Endang
Setyaningdyah of Demak.