Jakarta – For young contenders like Eko Budiantara, the upcoming elections will serve more as a test-run for the 2014 polls than a chance to win a seat.

Eko, from the relatively-new National Sun Party (PMB), has nothing to lose in the polls, considering the sheer number of experienced politicians vying for the 560 House of Representatives seats. "This is my first time as a candidate, and more than anything I am contesting the legislative elections for the experience," Eko said

The 28-year-old said he joined the PMB because he shared the party's belief in empowering the less fortunate nationwide. A candidate from Bantul, Yogyakarta, Eko said he will fight to get one seat at the provincial council. "I joined this party so I could share my ideas. If I fail in the polls, I still have more time," Eko said.

Another candidate, 36-year-old Ericson Sintong Hutabarat from the Labor Party, said that embarking on a political career was a long-term effort. "If I am not elected, I will still have another opportunity in the 2014 or even 2019 elections," said Ericson, who expects to secure votes from the Depok-Bekasi electoral district in West Java.

Ellias Dabur, a legislative candidate from the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI) from East Nusa Tenggara, said he was happy to represent a smaller party in the elections. "Actually, one prominent party offered me to join them, but I declined because I feel more comfortable with my party," said Ellias, 32.

The three young and first-time candidates struggled to gather the financial support required to fund their campaign activities. "I sold my motorcycle to print brochures, stickers and banners," Ericson said.

The financial constraint forced him to manage his tiny campaign budget with only Rp 6 million (US$500). "I designed and printed the banners myself, and cut paper for the brochures," he said.

Ericson said a number of friends had donated money to his campaign, and so far had raised Rp 15 million.

Unlike Ericson and Ellias, Eko spent Rp 2.5 million promoting his candidacy to the public but refrained from promising his constituents anything. "Many supporters say that legislative candidates are eager to spend money on votes, but after they are elected they seek to make it back through corruption. As I tell voters, I do not like corruption," he said.

Even though Ericson, Ellias and Eko know they stand little chance of winning a legislative seat, they are optimistic they will realize their dreams someday. "I believe someday I will become a legislator because most Indonesians are in some way involved in the labor force," Eric said.

Eko said his party may be small and unknown now, but it could grow bigger and stronger in the future like the Democratic Party. (naf)