Maneuvers of the Former Regional Police Chief in the NTT Regional Election

There is not a single party whose seat acquisition allows it to nominate its own candidate pair in the gubernatorial election in NTT.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

Johni Asadoma came to the NTT Indonesian Solidarity Party DPW office on Friday (19/4/2024).

Johni Asadoma, a retired National Police officer with the final rank of inspector general, has begun maneuvering in the election of governor of East Nusa Tenggara. In the last three days, Johni has registered in two political parties and will continue to communicate with other parties.

Amidst many names circulating, Johni became the first figure to openly register with more than one political party. On Wednesday (17/5/2024), Johni submitted his files to Gerindra Party, and on Friday (19/4/2024) around 13.40 Wita, he came to the headquarters of the Indonesian Solidarity Party.

Jhoni came wearing a woven ikat shirt, as if to show that he is a son of NTT who loves NTT culture. Jhoni is of mixed blood from Alor and Rote, two ethnic groups in NTT. Geographically, Alor is in the northern part of NTT, while Rote is in the south. In politics, one's identity determines his/her electability.

Christian Widodo, the Chairman of the PSI Regional Board in NTT, along with several officials welcomed Jhoni. Like Johnny, Christian shook hands with a slight bow as a sign of mutual respect. However, there was one official who bowed down as if to kiss the hand of the retired two-star general.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

Johni Asadoma came to the NTT Indonesian Solidarity Party DPW office on Friday (19/4/2024).

Johni was invited into the office and then asked to speak. He conveyed the purpose of his visit, which was to register as a prospective governor candidate for NTT from the party. He felt that he had the experience and abilities for the position, stating his desire to build a better NTT in the future.

Johni did not explain in detail what he meant by the statement "NTT is better". There was no specific explanation of the idea he offered. According to Johni, the development that has been undertaken since the previous leadership will continue.

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"I humbly request to be accepted," said Johni as he looked towards the manager sitting around the table. Symbolically, Johni submitted his curriculum vitae to Christian, witnessed by the other managers.

Johni, now 58 years old, began his career as a boxer. He once won a gold medal at the President's Cup in 1984. In the same year, he represented Indonesia at the Los Angeles Olympics in the United States. He previously served as the Chairman of the Indonesian Boxing Association's Central Management (2016-2020).

ARSIP DINAS PARIWISATA ALOR

The sea park in the Pantar Alor strait, NTT, has its own uniqueness. Various types of coral and marine plants can be found here, with diverse colors. In the afternoon and morning, hundreds of dolphins dance on the surface of the sea, around the small islands surrounding the strait. The photo was taken on Thursday (27/10/2016).

In the Police Force, Johni graduated from the ABRI Academy in 1989. The highest positions he held were as Head of the Police's International Relations Division (2020) and Head of the NTT Provincial Police in 2022. He retired in early February 2024. During the 2024 Presidential Election, he expressed support for the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka ticket.

Christian stated that the received paperwork will be examined in accordance with the mechanism established within the party's internal circles. Like other registrants, PSI will conduct a survey to determine public perception towards each figure. "Then we will consult with the central leadership council of the party," he said.

The political maneuver that Johni made by openly registering is aimed to show his seriousness to the public. The positive impact is that Johni's name is increasingly recognized by the public.

According to Christian, every registrant has an equal opportunity, including those who are not party cadre, such as Johni. PSI continues to open the registration door until next July. The more people register, the more options they have to determine the best according to the party.

When asked if he himself had a chance to run, Christian, who has a background in medicine, did not answer for sure. Currently, he is the only PSI cadre who is a member of the NTT Provincial DPRD. The results of the February 2024 legislative election placed 6 PSI cadres in the NTT Provincial DPRD, meaning an additional 5 seats.

With a 6-seat model, PSI must form a coalition with other parties to support one pair of candidates. The requirement set in the regulations is 13 seats or 20 percent of the total 65 seats in the NTT Provincial DPRD. Based on the results of the 2024 legislative elections, no party went alone. The highest acquisition is 9 seats each achieved by PDI-P, Golkar, and Gerindra.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

A child eats white rice in a former East Timorese refugee housing complex in Oebelo, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (14/2/2020). Living below the poverty line causes malnutrition among children.

A political observer from Widya Mandira Catholic University Kupang, Eusabius Separera Niron, is of the opinion that Johni's political maneuver by registering openly was aimed at showing his seriousness to the public. The positive impact is that Jhoni's name is increasingly known to the public.

According to Niron, by registering with more than one party, Johni has taken a step ahead compared to other figures. The next challenge for Johni is to convince parties to support him. "Currently all major parties have their own champions," he said.

The regional election process is still several months away. Many figures are now emerging. The political maneuvers that will occur will bring interesting dynamics.

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