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Top Bali comedian gets DPD seat
Famous Balinese comedian I Kadek Arimbawa, aka Lolak, has secured one of the four seats on the Bali Regional Representative's Council (DPD), after securing 125,980 votes, or 7
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Famous Balinese comedian I Kadek Arimbawa, aka Lolak, has secured one of the four seats on the Bali Regional Representative's Council (DPD), after securing 125,980 votes, or 7.62 percent of the total.
Lolak's success came largely from two regencies - Jembrana and Klungkung - according to a report released by the Bali General Elections Commission on Friday.
Lolak will be accompanied to the national legislative body in Senayan, Jakarta, by Alit Kesuma Kelakan, former deputy governor of Bali, who obtained 218,100 votes, or 13.2 percent of the total.
Nyoman Wiratha from Kerobokan village, Badung regency, who secured 132,320 votes or 8 percent of the total and current senator I Wayan Sudirta, who gained 129, 740 votes or 7.85 percent of the total to retain his seat, will round out the delegation.
Each of Indonesia's 33 provinces elects four senators to the 132 member DPD. The DPD and the House of Representatives (DPR) make up the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
While House legislators are members of political parties, DPD members are beholden to their respective provinces.
"I was so surprised to get as many votes. I have never imagined that *this would happen*," exclaimed Lolak, who beat out current senators Ida Ayu Agung Mas, one of Bali's most prominent women's rights activists, and Ida Bagus Gede Agastia, a respected scholar and religious leader.
Lolak said he spent only Rp 150 million (US$13,000) on his campaign, not much compared to the many candidates who sold their houses, cars and land to finance their multi-billion rupiah campaigns.
These high-rolling candidates who failed to secure seats reportedly suffer from serious depression. A candidate in East Java committed suicide upon learning she received just a handful of votes.
"My main asset was my ability to make people laugh during this stressful time," Lolak said with roaring laughter.
Lolak added that he expected people not to look down on his political ability because he is an entertainer.
"My mission is to improve the life of Indonesian artists in general and the Balinese art community in particular," he added on a serious note.
He noted that Indonesia has a rich artistic heritage.
"It is my duty to promote it and to help the country's art world to strive and to get proper attention from the government," he added.
To celebrate his victory, Lolak will stage a series of free traditional art performances.
"These activities will be my way of showing my gratitude, my deep thankfulness to the people who really supported me," he said.
Some 30 candidates vied for Bali's DPD seats.
- JP/Ni Komang Erviani
