Indonesia elections: Indonesians in Singapore cast their votes as overseas voting begins

Indonesian domestic helpers Tini and Karsi were among the first to cast their votes at the Indonesian embassy on Sunday as overseas voting begins. -- ST PHOTO: RUPALI KAREKAR
Indonesian domestic helpers Tini and Karsi were among the first to cast their votes at the Indonesian embassy on Sunday as overseas voting begins. -- ST PHOTO: RUPALI KAREKAR
Brisk voting marked the beginning of polls on Sunday as many Indonesians showed up at the Indonesian embassy in Singapore to participate in the parliamentary polls for overseas residents. -- ST PHOTO: RUPALI KAREKAR
Brisk voting marked the beginning of polls on Sunday as many Indonesians showed up at the Indonesian embassy in Singapore to participate in the parliamentary polls for overseas residents. -- ST PHOTO: RUPALI KAREKAR

Brisk voting marked the beginning of polls on Sunday as many Indonesians showed up at the Indonesian embassy in Singapore to participate in the parliamentary polls for overseas residents.

Domestic helpers, students and professionals queued at the booths to cast their votes in the exercise which started at 8am and will continue till 6 pm here.

"I came early because I wanted to beat the crowd," said 32-year-old engineer Neno who came with his 28-year-old wife Wulan and daughter.

The voting was smooth and well organised, he said.

Domestic worker Tini was the first to enter the booth and was met with a round of applause from a group of volunteers who were helping with the smooth conduct of polls.

Many hung around the premise after casting their vote, posing for pictures and selfies with friends and embassy staff. Weather permitted their little moments of fun as bright clear skies eliminated early fears of rain.

The voting lulled after the initial rush but embassy officials are expecting high turnout later in the day.

There are 200,000 Indonesians in Singapore, of which 112,000 are registered to vote.

There are about six million Indonesians living or working abroad. Those in China and Hong Kong were among the first to cast their votes on March 30.

The once-every-five-years elections will take place in Indonesia on April 9.

rupsk@sph.com.sg

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