Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – On a talk show recently, soap opera actor Adrian Maulana looked momentarily baffled when confronted with the question, "What makes you dare enter politics?"
Adrian, who has registered to become a legislative candidate under the banner of the National Mandate Party (PAN), said he would rely on his fame and fortune as a soap star to attract voters and prevent him from accepting bribes.
"Besides, Dede Yusuf (a former actor and West Java deputy governor from PAN) has shown us the way, proving actors can win elections," he said.
Adrian's answer sums up a typical motivation behind the phenomenon of many actors, actresses and singers switching to politics, according to Paramadina University political analyst Bima Arya Sugiarto.
Bima said with infotainment – gossipy TV programs telling daily lives of the country's celebrities – bombarding families' living room several hours a day, these celebrities become household names. The direct election system, Bima said, has switched voters' main consideration from party to figure.
"And celebrities have popularity. Political parties, under pressure after a series of corruption scandals implicating their lawmakers, are willing to take advantage of this. It is corrupt politicians that invite these celebrities to politics," Bima said.
Mohammad Qodari of the Indo Barometer polling group agreed with Adrian that the victory of Dede, as well as senior actor Rano Karno in the Tangerang election as deputy regent, have inspired many other celebrities to try their luck in politics.
"This is only an imitating move. Don't forget that not all celebrities win the elections. (Actress) Marissa Haque and (comedian) Qomar both failed in regional elections. I think only those who have long and proven track records will have a chance of winning votes," he said.
Marissa lost in the Banten gubernatorial election and later her legislative seat as well when her decision to contest the election went against the wishes of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), of which she was a member.
Noted TV host Helmi Yahya is now joining the race in South Sumatra as the deputy gubernatorial candidate, while dangdut singer Syaipul Jamil and movie actor Primus Yustisio are eying the deputy regent posts of the Banten regency of Serang and the West Java town of Subang, respectively.
The PAN has accepted the membership of 30 celebrities, including movie actress Wulan Guritno, violist Maylafaiza, comedian Deri Drajad, singer Silvana Herman and comedian Jimmy Gideon, leading to a joke in current circulation that the PAN is now the National Artists Party.
The Democratic Party has accepted comedian and TV host Virnie Ismail and actress Vena Melinda, while Marissa Haque and dangdut singer Evie Tamala joined the United Development Party (PPP).
Both Bima and Qodari advised the celebrities to equip themselves with knowledge and mastery of issues rather than depending only on popularity.