Lebak General Elections Commission Will Supply Kerosene Lamps to Facilitate The Polling Station in Baduy Traditional Land

Author: Dian Kencana
February 6, 2024

Voting day simulation for Baduy people in Lebak, Banten. Photo: SEA Today/ Ganis Bungsu

SEAToday.com, Lebak-The Lebak General Election Commission is in discussions with elders and village authorities regarding the upcoming elections on indigenous land scheduled for February 14. The customary rules of the Baduy tribe, prohibit the use of lighting under any circumstances, but as we all know, lighting is necessary during the vote-counting process.

This caused a deadlock in negotiations for some time, but eventually, The Lebak General Election Commission and the Baduy tribe reached a compromise. Lightning is allowed only at polling stations.

Ni’matullah, KPU Lebak Chairman also said, “Unfortunately, we are unable to bring generators or diesel engines. So, we will solely rely on kerosene lamps or charged LED lights for illumination in the polling station.”

According to records from the Lebak General Election Commission, there are 6000 Baduy individuals registered as voters this year. However, since the polling stations are not permitted to be built in the inner Baduy region, the Baduy people will have the opportunity to give their voting rights across 27 polling stations, located in the outer areas of Baduy. (DKD)