Some 27 millions of West Java people elect new governor

Bandung, NU Online
Some 27 millions people came to 63,005 polling booths to cast votes in West Java`s direct gubernatorial elections on Sunday (April 13, 2008) which ran from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.

Three pairs of contestants who would compete in the gubernatorial election consisting of Danny Setiawan (incumbent governor) and running mate Iwan Sulanjana, Agum Gumelar and running mate Nu`man Abdul Hakim (incumbent deputy governor) and Ahmad Heryawan and running mate Dede Yusuf.<>

The three pairs would fight for the gubernatorial post for the 2008-2013 term of office. Antara reported.

Three of the contestants namely Agum Gumelar, Ahmad Heryawan and Dede Yusuf didn`t cast votes because they didn`t hold West Java`s identity cards as they are Jakarta citizens.

However, each of three visited several polling votes in West Java`s capital of Bandung and other areas to observe the vote castings.

In the meantime, Danny Setiawan was reportedly to cast vote in polling booth (TPS-1) in Babakan Ciparay village, Sumur Bandung sub-district and his running mate Iwan Sulanjana cast vote in Cikeas, Bogor district.

While, Nu`man Abdul Hakim cast vote in Cogondewah, Bandung district.

According to the provincial general election commission (KPUD), some 17,000 West Java police personnel, supported by 6,000 Jakarta police personnel, would be deployed to secure a peaceful and smooth direct election.

The Danny Setiawan-Iwan Sulanjana pair is supported by Golkar Party and Democrats Party.

Agum Gumelar and Nu`man Abdul Hakim supported by several political parties including the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB).

While Ahmad Heryawan-Dede Yusuf (film actor) is supported by the Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS) and the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Danny Setiawan (incumbent governor) was born in Purwakarta on August 28, 1945.

Agum Gumelar, was born in Tasikmalaya, West Java on Desember 17, 1945, had a series of prestigious positions of national level.

Some of his previous important posts were as Transportation Minister (2001-2004), Governor of the Resilience Institute (Lemhannas), general chairman of the National Sports Committee (KONI) and Commander of regional Wirabuana Military command overseeing four provinces of Sulawesi island.

While Ahmad Heryawan born in Sukabumi district, West Java on June 16, 1966 is deputy chairman of the Jakarta Provincial Legislative Assembly (DPRD) for the 2004-2009 period. He is one of noted figures of the younger generation.

His running mate Dede Yusuf is one of the country`s noted film actors. (dar)