TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Seven people wearing Papuan traditional skirt sali-sali were spotted among those queuing up to meet Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok at the City Hall yesterday. They called themselves as the Papuan people. “We came to the City Hall from Papua to appreciate Pak Ahok’s work,” said Alex Yenusi, a resident of Manokwari district in West Papua.

Alex said he brought 14 of his fellow Papuans. He said that Ahok is highly revered among Papuans. Alex’s friend Yuliana Armey looked really excited to meet Ahok. “If Jakarta doesn’t want Ahok, Papua will welcome Ahok as a governor,” she said.

Alex later expressed his support of Ahok who have lost 2017 Jakarta election. “Stay healthy, successful and protected [by God]. Keep fighting Pak Ahok.”

After meeting and taking pictures with Ahok, Alex left the photo room while beating a drum.

Four women wearing the sali-sali and tank-tops started singing the traditional Sajojo song. They shuffled their feet as they chanted the welcoming song.

Their faces and bodies were painted white. Soon after, they sang the Yamko Rambe song.

The Papuans took the attention of other visitors who also wanted to meet Ahok. Some visitors were seen joining them. They only stopped dancing and singing after security officers told them off for causing noise.

FRISKI RIANA