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Local language used to get Malang people to vote
The Malang chapter of the General Elections Commission is using Gak Nyoblos Gak Mbois Ker, a phrase in the Malangan language that translates to “not voting is not cool”, to get people to vote.
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Volunteers fold ballots that will be used in the East Java Legislative Council election at a General Elections Commission warehouse in Malang, East Java. (The Jakarta Post/Aman Rochman)
T
he Malang chapter of the General Elections Commission (KPU Malang) is using the local language of Malangan and spelling words in reverse order in what is known as walikan (reverse speech) to get more Malang citizens in East Java to vote in the April 17 general election.
The commission is using as a slogan Gak Nyoblos Gak Mbois Ker (Not Voting is Not Cool). The Malangan phrase was the theme of an event on Sunday, during which participants called on others to head to the polling stations next week.
KPU Malang chairman Zaenudin said the use of the slogan and walikan in the campaign could help the commission to inform citizens about the upcoming simultaneous legislative and presidential elections.
“Malang is known for using the Javanese language pronounced in reverse, so we are using walikan words in the process of disseminating information to the people, including for the slogan,” Zaenudin said.
The commission expected the approach to persuade more locals to exercise their right to vote in the elections, he said.
Voter registration is open for Malang voters who want to cast their ballots outside their place of domicile and they have until April 10 to obtain an A5 form. The number of registered voters in the city currently sits at 628,681. (afr)
