JP/18/PILKD1

JP/18/PILKD1

Denpasar, a model of political composure

I Wayan Juniartha
The Jakarta Post/Denpasar, Bali

A few weeks ago, in the lead up to the election of Denpasar
mayor, a good number of political pundits and security officers
warned the public of the possible explosive days ahead.

It was an appropriate warning as clashes have tarnished
Balinese politics in the past. Moreover, the participating
candidates are from noble houses, which wield great influence
over the city's traditional power bases.

Moreover, they are also closely connected to two of the city's
most powerful youth organizations, Balinese gangs that control
the lucrative, albeit shady, businesses of private security and
debt-collecting.

Take for instance Puspayoga, the incumbent mayor and arguably
the strongest candidate in the upcoming election. Puspayoga hails
from Puri Satria, a house of nobility widely respected by
traditional communities in eastern Denpasar.

He is also a popular figure among die-hard supporters of the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Also, Puspayoga
enjoys a warm relationship with the Forum Peduli Denpasar (FPD),
a youth organization known to control security at the city's --
in fact the island's -- biggest bus terminal, Ubung.

Meanwhile, Puspayoga's strongest rival, Widiada comes from
Puri Peguyangan, an influential house of nobility in the northern
suburban area of the city. He is a popular figure among his peers
in the Golkar party.

Widiada's running mate, Suma Widana, comes from the
influential Puri Pemecutan and, to some extent, was a father
figure to the members of the Laskar Bali, arguably the island's
most powerful youth organization. Laskar Bali now provides its
security services to a large number of night spots in Legian and
Seminyak.

"Moreover, it will be our first experience in picking our
mayor through a direct election. Such an election is vulnerable
to violent clashes at the grass roots," political analyst
Chusmeru said.

Fortunately, the warning and the anxiety have not materialized
into a terrifying disturbance. Except for one minor incident, the
pre-campaign and campaign process -- from June 7 until June 20
-- went surprisingly well.

It was a big achievement for the people and politicians of the
city, particularly as election season in neighboring regencies
was marred by various incidents, ranging from intimidation and
the destruction of campaign banners and billboards to physical
assault.

Head of the Denpasar Elections Commission (KPUD) Ray Misno
attributes this achievement to the candidates' political maturity
and understanding of the nature of the political process.

"We are very lucky because all the participating candidates
are open-minded and composed politicians who are acutely aware
that the fate and future of this city very much depends upon
their ability to maintain order during this political process,"
he said.

"They made a gentlemen's agreement not to hold a large,
outdoor public meeting and opt instead for indoor events and
various charity and social activities, such as visiting
orphanages. And they stayed true to that agreement," Misno said.

The candidates were indeed at their most generous during this
critical period.

Puspayoga, for instance, spent a large amount of money on
billboards bearing diplomatic messages.

Rather than urging the people to elect Puspayoga, the
billboards displayed the smiling faces of Puspayoga and his
running mate, Rai Mantra, above the text: "Menang atau Kalah,
Denpasar Tetap Aman dan Kondusif" (Denpasar will still be safe
and peaceful (whether we) win or lose the election).

A similar message was conveyed by Widiada and his running
mate, Suma Widana, during public appearances.

"The interests of this city, of the people of Denpasar are
worth a thousand more than our political interest. Winning and
losing are a natural consequence of any political endeavor and we
will not sacrifice the security and peace of this city just for
the sake of winning this election," Widiada stressed.

While their counterparts in Badung and Tabanan were busy
attacking each other in local news outlets, both Puspayoga and
Widiada used the media to sent a message of cooperation, unity
and the importance of stable security and economic conditions.

"Both Puspayoga and Widiada are mature and low-profile
figures. Their ability to stay cool and make friendly gestures
toward each other are the key to the peaceful political
atmosphere we are currently experiencing," poet Mas Ruscitadewi
noted.

Ray Misno, however, said the days immediately following
election day on June 24 would be the real test for Puspayoga and
Widiada.

"Will they really be able to accept defeat in a controlled and
peaceful manner?. Will they be able to control the reaction of
their die-hard supporters? These are the questions that are
haunting my sleepless nights," he disclosed.

"If we win, we will immediately pay Puspayoga a visit and ask
for his support. If we lose, we will immediately pay Puspayoga a
visit and offer him our support," Widiada responded.

On June 24, around 342,348 registered voters will cast their
votes at 1,004 polling stations across the city. On that day,
they will not only elect a new mayor but put their politicians
through the ultimate test of character; how composed will they be
in a moment of political defeat.