SBY-Boediono, landslide victory in Lapindo area

For over three years, newspapers have been filled with reports about complaints from Lapindo mudflow victims in Sidoarjo, East Java. Lots of criticism towards SBY-Kalla administration and Bakrie. Yet, SBY-Boediono scored landslide victory in the area where victims have been relocated.

This report from Surya, a newspaper published in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday needs explanation from sociologists and political scientists. According to the report, there were two polling stations in Kedung Solo, Porong sub-regency with 1,280 registered voters.

Results?

About 44% didn't vote, turnout votes 56% o3 717 voters. It is relatively low compared to the national average, understandable. What's interesting, out of 717 voters, 613 voted for SBY-Boediono or 85%, far above the national average of 60%. 

Surya also reported from two other polling stations nearby: TPS-2 at Siring Village and TPS-3 at Besuki Village. SBY-Boediono got 79% in Siring and 96% at Besuki.

Why? Probably they're better off now? Or is it because of "money politics" like in this report from Beritajatim.com where Sidoarjo regent Win Hendarso gave out US$5 per victim on election day? The report also mentioned about the direct cash assistance (bantuan langsung tunai, BLT) awarded to the victims.

READ MORE!!!