JP

JAKARTA: Comedian Eko “Patrio” Hendro Purnomo was shocked to learn he has been removed from
the list of elected legislative candidates, despite securing more than enough votes in the April general election.

Eko, a legislative candidate from the National Mandate Party (PAN), says he received the news five days ago, while in the middle of making preparations to join an orientation session at the House of Representatives.

“I was informed that the Supreme Court has removed my name from the list,” Eko says. “It was really shocking and crazy!”

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court annulled the results of the General Elections Commission’s (KPU) second phase of vote counting from the legislative election. As a result, several political parties lost seats in the House.

Eko will contest the decision, as will fellow celebrities who thought they had a seat in the House. Other celebrities who were removed from the list include Rachel Maryam from the Greater Indonesian Movement Party (Gerindra) and Okky Asokawati from the National Development Party (PPP).

“We will protest and fight the decision because it has to do with the dignity of our political parties and voters, as well as our own,” Eko says.

According to Eko, it’s not the material losses that he regrets.

“I don’t care about the financial loss whatsoever,” he says. “It’s a matter of my precious time and energy.” — JP

Popular

Jakarta council housing perks triggers another uproar

Indonesia presses businesses to find a million cows

Sri Mulyani left cabinet after weeklong unrest in Indonesia