Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Senior Indonesian comedian, Komeng, is so far the strongest candidate as a candidate for DPD RI from the West Java electoral district. Komeng’s vote tally far outperformed other candidates who were both fighting for seats in parliament.

Komeng previously made a surprise on Election Day 2024 yesterday. Never seen campaigning or putting up billboards, apparently Komeng is running as a member of the DPD RI from West Java.

Even though he has never campaigned, the comedian, whose real name is Alfiansyah Komeng, managed to win temporarily according to calculations real count General Election Commission (KPU).

Based on monitoring by CNBC Indonesia on the official KPU website on Friday (15/2/2024) at 10.45 WIB, Komeng has collected 713,293 votes (10.05%). The total votes collected were only 39.6%.

Komeng’s vote tally far surpassed that of other candidates who were competing for the DPD RI seat from the West Java electoral district.

Komeng was ahead of Jihan Fahira, who was in the top three with the most votes. Jihan Fahira, the actress who is popular through the soap opera Tersayang, has collected 283,587 (4%).

Photo: Provisional Vote Count Results for the 2024 DPD Election (KPU)

The reason why Komeng uses strange photos

Komeng’s nomination as a new legislative candidate went viral on voting day. This is because many netizens shared humorous photos of the comedian printed on the ballot papers.

There is a photo of Komeng with his typical comedic facial expression. Not only that, his head was also deliberately tilted. The unusual pose of the comedian whose real name is Alfiansyah Bustami clearly attracted the attention of a number of voters.

Komeng explained that the General Election Commission (KPU) had advised legislative candidates to wear typical clothing or traditional clothing. However, Komeng prefers to provide photos that show his face with a humorous expression.

“Regarding photos, at that time the KPU asked for photos for the ballot paper. The KPU, in fact, suggested wearing their own distinctive clothing or traditional clothing, he said,” said Komeng, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.

At first Komeng was doubtful that his photo would be accepted. Unexpectedly, the KPU did not mind his unique choice.

“Then I said, ‘Is it okay or not?’

“I just want to (appear) different. I like things that are not marketable, from style to comedy concepts,” he added.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(hsy/hsy)