Tantowi stays true to Golkar

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Popular television host Tantowi Yahya preferred to back his political party, Golkar Party, than supporting his brother, Helmi Yahya, who will run as deputy governor candidate in the upcoming South Sumatra gubernatorial election.

Tantowi has decided to become a campaigner for Golkar-backed pair Alex Noerdin and Eddy Yusuf, who are popularly known through the acronym ALDY.

"It's my choice. As Golkar's cadre, it's my obligation and consequence that I should campaign for ALDY," Tantowi said after a seminar in Palembang on Sunday.

He claimed his decision would not harm relationship with his brother.

"The colors can be different, but brotherhood remains. One thing for sure, we both want to develop South Sumatra, only with different boats. No matter who wins, it's the people who will benefit," he said.

Nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Helmi, also a popular TV host, would be paired with governor candidate Syahrial Oesman in the Sept. 4 election.

Tantowi also revealed he might be nominated by Golkar as a member of the House of Representatives in the 2009 elections.

"It will be decided by Golkar in the mid of August," he said. -- JP/Khairul Saleh