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.