"I have come to South Tangerang to monitor the process of regional elections as the area is prone to radicalism," Kumolo said.
Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA News) - Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo explained that he visited Polling Station No. 17 in Alam Sutera, Serpong Sub-district, South Tangerang District, to monitor the simultaneous regional head elections as the region was prone to radicalism.

"I have come to South Tangerang to monitor the process of regional elections as the area is prone to radicalism," Kumolo stated on Wednesday.

The minister then urged the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the National Defense Forces (TNI) to conduct early detection and work with religious leaders in the region to counter radicalism, which may interfere in the election process.

"The government has declared December 9 a national holiday. We hope the people would exercise their voting rights in the elections," Kumolo remarked.

At the location, incumbent Mayor Airin Rachmi Diany, who is running for a re-election for a second term, cast her ballot.

Three pairs of candidates are contesting in the mayoral elections in South Tangerang.

From Tangerang, Kumolo headed to Solo and Semarang, Central Java, which is his hometown.

Several eligible voters on Wednesday morning began arriving at polling stations to cast their ballots in Indonesias first-ever simultaneous regional head elections being held in 264 regions.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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