Sultan may face gubernatorial race

Sultan may face gubernatorial race

YOGYAKARTA: A second candidate is likely to be nominated here
today for governor despite speculation Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono
X is likely to be elected by an overwhelming majority.

Sources at the provincial legislator told The Jakarta Post
here yesterday that the United Development Party (PPP) faction in
the provincial legislature would nominate its branch chief,
Alfian Dharmawan, as an alternative candidate.

While there has been a clamorous outpouring of support for Sri
Sultan, some have warned he may not be the sole candidate.

"This is the era of reform. Out of respect for democracy,
there should be an election and this means there must be at least
two candidates," said A. Budi Hartono of the local Legal Aid
Foundation branch office.

In a statement yesterday, the foundation also warned Sri
Sultan to be leery of the wave of support for him.

"The sultan has to be careful of opportunists who express
support for him but only seek personal gain," it said. (23/44)