KUCHING: The Indonesian General Elections (PEMILU 2024) proceeded smoothly across Sarawak, with the ballots being counted at the Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak on Wednesday (Feb 14).
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono said preparations for polling were done last year with numerous meetings and coordination sessions from November to December with local authorities.
“Logistics distribution (for the ballots) commenced on January 27, facilitated by local police from Kuching to Miri, ensuring the security of the sites.
“We extend our gratitude to local companies for their cooperation in providing venues for voting, especially in plantation areas. Each mobile ballot box accommodated approximately 500 ballots, facilitating easy access for voters, including plantation workers.
“Despite challenges such as adverse weather conditions during polling station operations, we remain optimistic due to the overall success of the mobile ballot initiative. Today, the vote counting begins, marking the culmination of our efforts,” Sigit told New Sarawak Tribune.
The ballot counting starts on Wednesday, marking the final stage of the election process which commenced on Feb 4 until Feb 10 with ballot boxes mobilised across all nine divisions of Sarawak – Lawas, Limbang, Miri, Batu Niah, Bintulu, Sibu, Mukah, Sri Aman, Betong, Pusa, and Kuching.
Subsequently, on February 11, the polling stations were initiated and a total of 153 mobile ballot boxes were deployed and five polling stations were set up.
“Among our 64,900 registered voters, 61,912 utilised the mobile ballot system, while the remaining 2,988 opted for the polling station model. Today, the results from both models will be tallied, synchronising with the Indonesian Western time.
“The counting process has just begun. Due to the substantial volume of ballots, the results will be known later. We are pleased with the high turnout, nearing 80 percent, particularly with the mobile ballot system,” he said.
Regarding the election, he added, the primary concern is ensuring a safe, secure, and smooth process. This responsibility falls upon them as the Indonesian mission, working alongside the Panitia Pemilihan Luar Negeri (PPLN) and the supervising election committee.
Currently, the three-way contest involves Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, aged 72, former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, aged 54, and former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, aged 55.
