Bandarlampung
The political climate in Lampung has become heated since the arrest of businesswoman Artalita Suryani, whose case is being used in smear campaigns ahead of October's gubernatorial election.
Artalita, also known as Ayin, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly bribing a prosecutor in a banking scam.
One of the gubernatorial candidates being targeted is chairman of the Lampung chapter of Golkar Party, Alzier Dianis Thabranie, who is contesting the election alongside running mate Brig. Gen. (ret.) Bambang Sudibyo.
Artalita's arrest has reportedly affected Alzier's campaign funding because of rumors they were married.
A few days after her arrest, local newspaper Lampung Ekspres reported they had been married according to siri, a religious ceremony not recognized by the state. The story sparked a public uproar in Lampung even though people had known about the marriage for some years.
Alzier is reportedly suing the daily newspaper over the news.
"I heard about the marriage from Alzier himself and also from a reliable source," Lampung Ekspres general manager and chief editor Harun Muda Indrajaya said Monday.
"I'll call the person to testify in court should Alzier continue the lawsuit against Lampung Ekspres. The source was the one who married them off."
According to Harun, a senior journalist in Lampung, Alzier married Artalita before his wedding to his current wife Imelda. During the marriage with Artalita, Harun said, Alzier received considerable funding for his political activities, which stopped when he married Imelda in 2003.
Alzier denied he ever married Artalita. He said his rivals had associated him with Artalita because of the approaching election.
"Where's the proof showing I married Ayin? I was close to her when I was head of the Lampung Chamber of Commerce. I am also close to her husband and family," Alzier said.
"If you ask about friendship, Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P. knew them before I did and is closer to them. But why aren't they prying into his relationship with Ayin? Why am I the subject of smear campaigns?"
According to Alzier, many officials and politicians in Lampung owe a lot to Artalita. He said she and her family had been instrumental in Lampung's development. They have built various facilities, such as property developments and the link between Bandarlampung and Bakauheni Port.
"She has also helped local residents, for example by donating Rp 150 million (US$16,000) for the construction of a mosque and Islamic boarding school in Tulangbawang regency," Alzier said.
Alzier became very popular after he won the gubernatorial election in 2002, but he failed to be installed and became a suspect in a number of criminal cases. However, none resulted in a conviction.
The Lampung legislature then held a repeat election in June 2004 -- in which Alzier did not participate -- which was won by Police Comr. Gen. Sjachroedin Z.P.
Alzier has been nominated by Golkar Party to run in the gubernatorial election this October, while Sjachroedin -- Alzier's former brother-in-law -- has been nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
The heated political situation in Lampung is likely attributable to the intense contest between the two longtime rivals, especially since Artalita's arrest.
Political observer Wahyu Sasongko, lecturer in law at Lampung University, said Artalita's detention was believed to have an influence on the gubernatorial election in Lampung because she had played such a leading role in the local political arena.
"Economic influence is part of political strength. It's no longer a secret Artalita is one of the strongest financial backers for candidates. Her arrest could shift the political balance," Wayhu said.
"I see signs candidates wish to dominate the political machine or party, but they can't now because the financial backer has been arrested."
Former head of the Lampung chapter of the Ansor Youth Movement, Muhammad Mukri, said the relationship between Alzier and Artalita was strictly business.
Alzier, said Mukri, owned a number of businesses across the country, and part of their proceeds could be used to fund his political activities.
"Bu Artalita lent funds not only to Alzier, but also to other candidates," Mukri said.
The Jakarta Post, Tuesday, Marc 18, 2008
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