Politicians, artists to participate in mayoral race

Several months ahead of the Depok mayoral election, a number of figures have announced bids to compete in the race, hoping to increase their popularity and secure early support from the city's residents.

Former Golkar Party Depok chapter chief Naming Bothin said his party had officially endorsed him to run in the election since last year.

Naming, 65, who claims himself to be an "indigenous Depok resident", said he would focus on gaining support from residents in rural areas.

"There are actually many Depok people who want to see a local like me leading the city," said Naming, who currently serves as a deputy chairman at Depok council.

Among his priority programs, Naming proposed the improvement of healthcare and educational services and the implementation of bureaucratic reforms.

Naming criticized the current mayor, saying he had posted people with "unknown backgrounds" in many of the administration's tactical positions.

Separately, former senator Biem Triani Benyamin also said he was ready to join the election.

Biem, a son of the country's most famous Betawi artist, Benyamin Sueb, said he had signed up to join a convention to be held by the Democratic Party's Depok chapter, which would determine the candidate the party will support in the upcoming election.

"If I lose *at the convention*, I will also be ready to run as an independent candidate," he said, adding that he expected support primarily from Betawi residents and young voters.

"Once elected *as mayor*, I will focus on improving healthcare and education services as well as tackling problems in transportation and waste management."

Biem was one of four the Regional Consultative Council members representing Jakarta residents in the 2004-2009 period. Last year, however, he was not re-elected.

Situated on Jakarta's southern border, the 200-square-kilometer municipality is currently led by Depok Mayor Nurmahmudi Ismail who was nominated by the Islam-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and elected in 2005.

Earlier this month, The Depok chapter of the General Elections Commission (KPUD) announced it would run the mayoral election in October.

While there have been no political parties, except for Golkar, that have officially announced candidates, some other hopefuls include incumbent mayor Nurmahmudi, deputy mayor Yuyun Wirasaputra, former mayor Badrul Kamal, Patrio group comedian Muhammad Akri and actor-cum-politician Derry Drajat.

Derry said he would share his entire campaign strategy with the press after the commission had officially named him a running candidate.

"I'm planning to run as an independent candidate," Derry said.