Hatta track record questioned at South Sumatra

PALEMBANG. The candidacy of Prabowo Subianto’s running mate Hatta Rajasa, who is originally from Palembang, is an important piece of history for South Sumatrans, as it marks the first time a native son of that province has been nominated as a vice presidential candidate.

Despite the historic nature of his run, however, many in the province have doubts about Hatta, as many residents did not see him contribute to the development of South Sumatra when he was a government minister.

Hatta was born in the province’s capital Palembang more than 60 years ago. He spent his childhood in Jejawi village, Jejawi district, Ogan Komering Ilir regency. The village is one hour by car from Palembang.

Recently, The Jakarta Post visited the home village of the former coordinating economic minister to take a closer look at Hatta’s childhood home and former neighbors.

Upon reaching the village, it’s clear where it stands politically. The houses and roads are decorated with banners of the National Mandate Party (PAN), of which Hatta is chairman.

Hatta’s family home stands out from the others, as it was constructed in the Limas style typical of South Sumatra. A mosque, named after Hatta’s father At Tohirin, stands next to the house.

Hatta’s childhood home is now quiet and unoccupied, looked after by a caretaker. According to local residents, Hatta’s family spends most of their time in Palembang.

“In the last legislative election, PAN won a landslide victory in Jejawi district. We are proud of Pak Hatta’s candidacy for vice president. Hopefully, he can bring changes to the nation, especially to his home village of Jejawi,” said villager Mastoni, 54.

Mastoni said that ever since Hatta served as minister, he had contributed a lot to the village, for example plumbing in every household and the ongoing development of an irrigation system for nearby fields.

A majority of the villagers are rice farmers who depend on water from the Komering River to irrigate their fields. “The construction of the irrigation system really helps us water our fields that often face drought,” said Mastoni.

Another villager, Abso, 40, also supports Hatta. “If there is a person who comes from here, why choose someone else?” Abso said.

Support for Hatta can also be seen in Palembang. Hung in several places across the city are banners that read: “When else will a native son of South Sumatra lead the nation, if not now. The wong kito [native South Sumatrans] vote for the native son of South Sumatra.”

“We’d definitely pick wong kito. We hope if he is elected he will develop his own homeland,” said Palembang resident Muhajir, 58.

Other Palembang residents, however, question Hatta’s track record and commitment to South Sumatra.

“Ever since he served as minister until now, we have not really seen his contribution to South Sumatra,” said Palembang resident Ferry Munandar, 50.

He cited the development of the Tanjung Api-api Special Economic Zone, which is still hampered due indecision in the central government, and the planned toll road and Musi IV Bridge projects, which have yet to be realized. Ferry noted that as coordinating economic minister, Hatta could have made these projects happen.

“I hope South Sumatra residents would be more rational and choose a leader based on his performance,” said Ferry.

The same view was expressed by a student at Raden Fatah Islamic State Institute in Palembang, Meytasari, 23, who said she was not influenced by the jargon of “wong kito galo” (we are all South Sumatrans).

“Actually, this is the right moment for South Sumatra residents. But, we have doubts about whether Hatta could bring changes to his place of origin. So far, we have not seen much contribution from him,” said Meytasari.

Separately, a doctor of political science at Palembang’s Sriwijaya University, Zulfikri Suleman, said Hatta’s popularity as a native of South Sumatra would not immediately have an impact on the decision of South Sumatra residents in voting in the presidential election in July.

“In my opinion, the jargon of wong kito galo should not have been used to draw voters. It should have been focused more on the visions [of each candidate],” said Zulfikri.

He, however, said that residents still hoped if Hatta was elected he would improve infrastructure and economic growth in the province. (Ansyor Idrus)