Without Celebrities and Envelopes, DIA’s Grand Campaign Attended by Tens of Thousands of Loyalists

MAKASSAR – The grand campaign of the candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of South Sulawesi Danny Pomanto and Azhar Arsyad (DIA) ran smoothly and orderly at the MNEK Monument, Friday (22/11/2024).

This grand campaign was quite different from the grand campaigns of other regional head candidates, as Danny decided not to appoint top and famous celebrities or national bands as performers.

Nevertheless, this event was attended by tens of thousands of loyal supporters of DIA, resulting in the masses seen spilling over to fill the MNEK Monument area.

Not only that, a number of legislators from each supporting party were also present. They took turns giving speeches of encouragement.

“We agreed to show our solidarity, our strength today. This campaign does not have artists like the ones held by other candidates. There is also no ‘serangan fajar’ (bribery) distribution. Everyone came purely out of conscience and the voice of the people who were not bought,” said Danny.

“But we see, 50 thousand people came to unite their voices and pure support. Also present were party leaders who gave speeches,” he added.

The success of this grand campaign was also supported by sunny but cool weather. According to Danny, nature gave its support and blessings because this campaign was based on sincere intentions.

“We know that other people made the same event here, but the rainstorm poured down. But today, we can see how Allah blesses us all because of our prayers. And Insha Allah, this is a sign of victory,” he exclaimed.

On this occasion, he expressed his gratitude for being able to gather with his loyalists in the MNEK CPI Monument area. One to note, this area used to be unnoticed and not as busy as it is now.

“Looking at such a beautiful city, we have a phinisi ship there. There was nothing like this before. There was no Toraja tongkonan, no Pinisi built in the middle of the city. Why can we make people walk and run around in CPI every afternoon? Why can we make people enjoy all this? Because the people of Makassar did not make the wrong choice. So, don’t make the wrong choice in the Makassar Regional Head Election. And don’t make the wrong choice in the South Sulawesi Regional Head Election,” he said, fuelling the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Danny also said that, during his two periods leading Makassar City, many changes have occurred, especially in the welfare of employees and the community.

“In the past, cleaning staff were only paid Rp25,000. Now, it’s Rp2,400,000. Has it changed?  Yes. Why? Because he didn’t make the wrong choice. Don’t make the wrong choice, don’t let us become a group of people who are wretched,” he said.

He appealed to the entire community not to make the wrong choice just because they get basic necessities.

Because, according to Danny, basic necessities like rice, cooking oil, etc. cannot make sick people healthy. It does not guarantee the construction of urban infrastructure to villages.

“We are not here to vote for the person with the most groceries, right? We choose leaders who can bring us better. So don’t vote for the wrong candidates. Especially because of an envelope (bribe),” he said.

Danny-Azhar promised to devote themselves to the people of South Sulawesi.

Meanwhile, PKB politician Deng Ical called on the public to instill in their hearts that today is the time of victory.

“This afternoon, we will fight together to win the DIA to become governor and deputy governor of South Sulawesi. Let us together unite our voices and intentions,” he said.

The grand campaign of South Sulawesi Governor and Deputy Governor Candidates Danny Pomanto-Azhar Arsyad began by sailing on a phinisi ship to the campaign location.

Danny-Azhar sailed for about ten minutes from Losari Beach Anjung to MNEK CPI with a group wearing orange.

The grand campaign of candidate pair 01 of the South Sulawesi Gubernatorial Election was held simultaneously with the campaign of the candidate pair for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Makassar Indira Yusuf Ismail-Ilham Ari Fauzi.