TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Famous Indonesian comedian Alfiansyah Bustami or Komeng led the quick count race for the seat in the regional representative council (DPD) of West Java.

Up to Thursday at around 06:00 a.m. local time, 30.57 percent of data has been counted at pemilu2024.kpu.go.id. Komeng outperformed other candidates with over 8.12 percent of votes, equal to 173,945 people.

Earlier, it was reported that Komeng won at the polling station 082 Bintara Jaya, Bekasi. The comedian surprised many people with a unique picture on the ballot papers, gaining him 48 votes out of 184 voters. He won over current DPD member KH Amang Syafrudin with 23 votes and artist Jihan Fahira with 21 votes.

When asked about his picture on the ballot, he told Antara that “KPU (General Elections Commission) recommended us to wear our signature outfits or traditional garbs, but when I submitted my photo, they laughed.”

“So I asked them, ‘may I use this?’ and they allowed me, so I did not violate any rules,” he said. “I was aiming to be different. I like the idea of unconventionality.”

Not only because of his unusual picture, voters were actually surprised over Komeng’s inclusion in the ballot papers. The 1970-born comedian has never once appeared to campaign.

The former host of “Spontan” admitted that he was serious about running for DPD candidacy. One of his missions is to realize Indonesian artists' aspirations.

“I’m using South Korea as an example, with their cultures they could outperform other countries, from their dramas, K-pop, and foods, their State Budget revenue is close to 12 digits,” Komeng remarked.

ADIL AL HASAN

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