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Celebrity candidates’ electoral gains raise concerns among voters
Some voters say celebrity candidates eclipse other, more qualified candidates on the ballot.
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Local poll administrators (KPPS) check a ballot paper for Regional Representatives Council (DPD) candidates during vote counting at a polling station in Indramayu, West Java, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Antara/Dedhez Anggara)
As officials tabulate the results of the Feb. 14 general election, celebrities running for legislative office have raked in millions of votes, suggesting many will enter national or regional legislative bodies in October.
However, some social media users have complained that these celebrity candidates are beating out other candidates who offer better programs for the public.
One of the most talked about candidates during and after voting day was comedian Alfiansyah Bustami Komeng, popularly known as Komeng, who ran for a Regional Representatives Council (DPD) seat representing West Java.
Aside from his fame, the legislative candidate stole the spotlight with a wacky, casual photo on the ballot. Most candidates use a formal portrait for the photo that accompanies their name on the ballot.
Komeng’s photo went viral on social media ahead of voting day, leading to many voters claiming to have voted for him at the polling booth.
“I didn’t know anyone else on the DPD ballot paper. That’s why I voted for Komeng,” said 27-year-old Ruth, a voter from Bekasi, West Java, adding that Komeng’s unorthodox photo impressed her the most and cemented her decision to vote for him.
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