I

n a place like Papua where communal conflicts are common, it takes unusual courage to even express a different opinion. And, of course, the stakes are even higher for an outsider challenging Papuans in the local elections.

Defying opposition from Papuans, a Chinese-Indonesian woman is running for a top post in the Jayapura regency in the Feb. 15 poll. Yanni is not the only woman who will contest the local elections as there are two other female candidates running for the poll. But, she is the only non-Papuan to contest the local election in the region where tribal sentiment is extremely strong.

When Yanni, along with her running mate Zadrak Afasedanya, registered with the Jayapura General Elections Commission (KPUD) as a regent candidate, a group of local women protested her candidacy simply because she is not a native Papuan.

“Many have criticized my candidacy through social media. Some say [the chance] to become regent is the birthright [only] of native Papuans,” she said.

Yanni said the protest and criticism did not discourage her as she believed that not all Papuans had opinions and thoughts like that.

“It’s the opinion of those who do not like me, but I also cannot ignore the opinion of our Papuan brothers who support my candidacy,” said Yanni, who was a member of the Papua Provincial Legislature (DPRD) for 13 years.

For the upcoming election, Yanni was nominated by the Gerindra Party, National Mandate Party (PAN) and National Awakening Party (PKB). Another woman, Siska Yoku, is also contesting the Jayapura poll as an independent while Robeka Enembe is running for Tolikara vice regent.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) database shows that women make up less than 7 percent of candidates taking part in the 2017 regional elections. As of Thursday, data compiled by the KPU show that, of a total 644 candidates, only 44 are women.

Women’s rights activist Gadis Arivia, who is also the founder of influential feminist publication Jurnal Perempuan, said the prevailing patriarchal culture in the country had made it even more difficult for women to enter politics.

She said the government had not made sufficient efforts to promote gender equality.

In contrast to Yanni’s experience in Papua, a candidate pair running in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, is a historic demonstration of diversity.

For the first time, a Catholic priest is running for regent with a Muslim running mate.

Catholic priest Rantinus Manalu and Muslim cleric Sodiqin Lubis will register with the Central Tapanuli KPUD on Friday as an independent candidate pair. They will hand over additional copies of ID cards from their supporters as required by the law. (fac)