Minister Supports Decision to Delay Elections In Five Regions

Tangerang, Banten (Antara Bali) - Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo expressed high regard for the legal process that led to the delay in elections in five regions.

The implementation of the regional head elections (pilkada) has been delayed ahead of the voting on Wednesday in Central Kalimantan, Pematangsiantar in North Sumatra, Simalungung district in North Sumatra, Manado in North Sulawesi, and Fak-Fak district in West Papua.

Kumolo stated that the delay was related to the legal process, and the General Election Commission (KPU), as the organizer, could not be held responsible as it had completed 99 percent of the preparations for holding the elections.

The delay in elections in five regions could be addressed in 21 days, but the home affairs minister said it would be completed within 14 days.

The home affairs minister was in Tangerang on Wednesday to monitor the implementation of the simultaneous pilkada at the Polling Station No. 17 in Alam Sutera, Serpong Sub-district.

"The government has declared December 9 a national holiday. We hope that the people could use their voting rights in the elections," Kumolo stated.

At the location, incumbent Mayor Airin Rachmi Diany, who is running for a re-election for a second term, cast her ballot.

Three pairs of candidates are contesting in the mayoral elections in South Tangerang.

From Tangerang, Kumolo headed to Solo and Semarang, Central Java, which is his hometown.

Several eligible voters on Wednesday morning began arriving at the polling stations to cast their ballots in Indonesias first-ever simultaneous pilkada being held in 264 regions.

Initially, the pilkada would be organized in 269 regions, but the KPU announced on Tuesday evening that the elections were postponed in five regions.(WDY)