Kalla uses state visit for impromptu campaign

Adianto P. Simamora ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Losari, West Java   |  Tue, 06/30/2009 10:53 AM  |  Headlines

Presidential hopeful Jusuf Kalla has earned himself a reputation for his frank campaign style, so it came as no surprise last week when he invited locals in West Java to speak to him about any subject they wished.

Kalla, the incumbent vice president, conducted a state visit to several pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in West Java recently, and although there were no election banners to welcome him on his working visit, he seemed to slip right into campaign mode once in front of the people.

"I want you to speak to me about your problems," he told a gathering of around 1,000 local farmers, fishermen, Muslim clerics and teachers at the school in Losari, Cirebon regency, last week.

Flanked by around 30 journalists, including all the major television networks, Kalla traveled from Losari to Brebes in Central Java making promises in what seemed very much like a campaign rally.

Kalla is assigned Saturdays and Sundays to campaign in the lead up to the presidential election.

In his visit to Losari, Kalla promised to start a number of infrastructure projects in the area, from irrigation networks to roads and schools, claiming it would drive local economic growth in West Java.

He also pledged to resolve the shortage of fertilizer in the region, and boost the salt production by curbing imports from Australia.

"Two years from now, these projects could become reality," Kalla said in his 45-minute speech.

Despite being a state visit, Kalla was accompanied by key figures from his campaign team, including Yuddy Chrisnandi from the Golkar Party.

"With this infrastructure in place, people's income will increase," Kalla said.

"We will also boost electricity capacity to drive economic activities."

Dozen of staff members from the vice presidential office had been in the provinces days beforehand to prepare for the heavily-guarded visit.

But no cabinet ministers were seen accompanying Kalla. Before declaring his presidential bid, it was customary for a number of ministers to accompany Kalla on state visits.

When a fishermen asked to know why there had been a shortage of government financial aid, Kalla said, "I will check that with the maritime and fishery affairs minister."

Kalla also made a number of "political statement" during his apparent working visit.

In Losari, for example, he denied accusations he had criticized the current administration over certain policies as alleged by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"I never criticized the government. I only pointed out the solution *to certain problems*," he said, responding to a question from the public.

"I only want to correct false input from other officials, because not all officials have balanced opinions."

A member of Kalla's campaign team, Poempida Hidayatulloh, brushed off accusations that Kalla was using state facilities during his state visit for campaigning purposes.

"Kalla obeys the regulations. It is impossible to use a state visit for campaigning," he said.

Poempida said Kalla had repeatedly warned Golkar Party members to respect the regulations.

"Pak Kalla strongly admonished Golkar members for wearing the party uniform during the state visit," he said.

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