Ghina Ghaliya, Jakarta – The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has recommended Vice President Ma'ruf Amin's grandson, Adly Fairuz, as a candidate for deputy regent in the upcoming regional elections in Karawang, West Java.
He will be paired with PDI-P member Yessy Karya Lianti, who is also a doctor and businesswoman. She was a Democratic Party politician before joining the PDI-P.
The 33-year-old Adly is widely known as a film and soap opera actor. He ran as a legislative candidate from the NasDem Party during the 2019 election, a party in the ruling coalition. However, he failed to obtain a seat at the House of Representatives.
"[Running in the] Karawang [regional election]: Yessy Karya Lianti and Ahmad Adly Fairuz," PDI-P executive Puan Maharani said on Friday upon announcing the names of candidates recommended by the party.
PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said the party had recommended Adly for his good reputation as the star of Indonesian soap opera Cinta Fitri (Fitri's Love).
"Being a son or grandson of anyone [important] doesn't mean he has no right to be nominated. What's important is his commitment, willingness to learn and follow the process," Hasto said.
He added that prominent figures within the party admired Adly's acting abilities.
"Someone said the late president [BJ] Habibie admired him because the former liked watching Cinta Fitri. We consider him to have a good track record," said Hasto.
Other political parties have also given their support to Yessy and Adly, namely the United Development Party (PPP), the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and the National Mandate Party (PAN).