Biak Numfor KPU Accused of Election Logistics Misuse

Simon Yason Mandowen from Bawaslu testifying at the examination hearing for Case No. 158/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 concerning the regent election results dispute before Deputy Chief Justice Saldi Isra and Constitutional Justices Ridwan Mansyur and Arsul Sani on panel 2, Thursday (1/30/2025). Photo by MKRI/Teguh.

JAKARTA (MKRI) – The Biak Numfor Regency KPU (Elections Commission), as the Respondent, refuted the argument made by Candidate Pair 3 Saint Benhur Mansnandifu-Yohan Anthon Kho (Petitioners) regarding alleged violations by Candidate Pair 1 Markus Octavianus Mansnembra-Jimmy Carter Rumbarar Kapissa (Relevant Party). The Petitioners accused the Relevant Party of involving the Respondent in the misuse of their campaign team’s motorboat, “Cinta Damai”, for distributing election logistics. This was presented at the examination hearing to hear the Respondent, the Relevant Party, and Bawaslu (Elections Supervisory Body), as well as to approve evidence from all parties involved in Case No. 158/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025. The hearing was presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Saldi Isra (panel chair) and Constitutional Justices Ridwan Mansyur and Arsul Sani on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Also read: Biak Numfor Regent Election: Motorboat Carrying Logistics Questioned

The Respondent’s legal counsel Erwin Dumas Hutagaol clarified that the Respondent had used the services of a second-party provider, CV Cahaya Motor, for both logistics distribution and return. He further explained that the procurement of these services had followed the proper procedures under applicable laws and regulations. This process included an e-catalog auction, which was subsequently formalized through a mail order, work order, or contract for the distribution of election logistics for the 2024 election. The work order was officially signed by the director of CV Cahaya Motor and the Respondent’s commitment-making official (PPK).

Additionally, Hutagaol clarified that the use of the Cinta Damai motorboat for distributing and returning logistics in the 2024 Biak Numfor Regency election did not affect the Petitioners’ vote count. He further stated that the use of the motorboat did not provide any advantage to other candidate pairs in the election.

“There were no objections conveyed to the Respondent and no recommendations were received by the Respondent from the Biak Numfor Regency Bawaslu,” he said.

Therefore, the Respondent requested the Court to reject the Petitioners’ petition in its entirety and affirm the validity of the Respondent’s decree on the certification of the 2024 Biak Numfor Regency election results.

Meanwhile, the Relevant Party, represented by legal counsel Aan Sukirman, refuted the Petitioners’ argument. They argued that the motorboat was rented by the Respondent solely based on logistical needs. They emphasized that there was no causal link between the rental of the motorboat and any electoral fraud that could have influenced the vote count in favor of the Relevant Party.

“There were no special incidents, no objections from the Petitioners’ witnesses at the polling stations, and no special notes or recommendations for violations from the PTPS (polling station supervisor),” asserted Aan.

Therefore, the Relevant Party requested that the Court reject the Petitioners’ petition in its entirety and affirm the validity of the Respondent’s decree on the certification of the 2024 Biak Numfor Regency election results.

Additionally, the Biak Numfor Regency Bawaslu, represented by Simon Yason Mandowen, testified to the Petitioners’ argument. Simon stated that, in essence, Bawaslu had not received any reports or findings of election violations, nor any requests for an election dispute petition related to the Petitioners’ argument.

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Biak Numfor KPU Accused of Election Logistics Misuse