Campaigns in mosques and churches not appreciated by all

In the previous elections, legislative candidates were elected according to their ranking on the ballot list. In this year's election those candidates who get the most votes will be elected. Hence, competition is fierce, and candidates use all available  venues to reach voters including mosques and churches.

According to Saipul Rosyad, a legislative candidate for the Golkar Party who represents the sub districts of Banyuasin 3 and Rantau Bayur, campaign visits to mosques are more efficient and effective than mass gatherings in the streets. "In the mosque you can communicate directly with people" he says. "In face-to-face dialogues", Saiful adds, "people learn more about a candidate, his vision and mission".

The same thing is experienced by Meiyasri a candidate of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in the same sub districts. She said, she and her party in Banyuasin opt for direct dialogues in the mosque. "This is my way to get public sympathy. I have to use my position in the praying community properly".  For her, this method is more effective and also cheaper while it minimizes the risk of clashes with supporters of other candidates.

What do residents think about these campaign methods? M'Say, a resident of Pelajau Ilir Village, in Sub district Banyuasin 3 does not see any problems. "It is up to the candidates to decide how they campaign" he says. Mr Boden, a resident of Rimba Alai Village does not agree. "Candidates should not campaign in mosques and churches" he posits. "Campaigns are held to get the sympathy and support from residents. To do that candidates do not need to bother us it in the church of the mosque," Mr Boden says. Recently he had an argument with a legislative candidate who wanted to hold a campaign on Maulid Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. "Hence I almost fought with him and his men," he admits.

Togar, a Christian resident of Kayuara Kuning Village, has a similar experience. A few weeks ago a Christian legislative candidate promised to build a church in the village, if Togar and other Christian residents would donate some money and vote for him. "He asked me to vote for him. If he is elected, he says he will build the church. He keeps on begging for support."

To win the elections, campaigns for sympathy and support are necessary. But that does not mean the candidates should be allowed to campaign in intrusive ways. (Prana Susilo, Banyuasin)