Adianto P. Simamora, Jakarta – Legislator Ferry Mursyidan Baldan of the Golkar Party is undoubtedly an experienced politician, but in terms of popularity he is far behind comedian Eko Patrio of the National Mandate Party (PAN), a survey shows.
Conducted by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), the results show that Eko is just one of a few local artists beating experienced politicians in the popularity front, thanks to their frequent appearances on television programs.
"Popularity will be more important than competency to win supports from voters in the election. It is the impact of what we call the silent revolution," LSI senior researcher Dodi Ambardi told reporters Thursday.
The Sept. 8-20 survey sample – 1,249 respondents from the country's 33 provinces – has a 3 percent margin of error and found 6 percent of respondents would vote for Eko while only 0.1 percent voted for Ferry.
Dodi said the "silent revolution" shows that television has played a crucial role boosting the popularity of artists – who are invited to party's to attract votes – vieing for a seat in the House of Representatives.
The survey found the House Speaker Agung Laksono was the most popular politician, securing 18 percent of votes. However, the four below him were local celebrities.
"The support is likely due to Agung's massive media exposure rather that his competency as a politician," Dodi said.
Malam Sambat Ka'ban, a Forestry Minister and member of the Crescent Star Party, apparently only received 1 percent of support from the respondents. "If such a trend continues, it will effect the quality and performance of the House in the long term," Dodi said.
Indonesia will host its second direct legislative elections on April 9, 2009. From 11,868 legislative candidates already verified by the General Elections Commission (KPU), less than 5 percent are local celebrities.
Effendi Gazali, political communication expert from the University of Indonesia, said the direct election system had switched voters' main concerns from political parties to individuals. "The popularity of local artists will be a crucial asset to compete in the political arena," he said.
Effendi said the popularity could be achieved through public appearances in television programs or advertisements in the media.
"The skyrocketing popularity of Prabowo Subianto, with his Great Indonesia's Movement (Gerindra), is due to the massive television ads," he said. He added Prabowo, former commander of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), delivered a clear message to his target market in offering assistance to farmers, fishermen and traditional market vendors.