Songstress-Turned-Politician Krisdayanti Shares The Motives Behind Her Career Change

“It has been a long time coming,” says Krisdayanti, opening the conversation with Indonesia Tatler about her political ambitions. The humble and adorable pop diva has been a successful singer for some 25 years now, so what has driven her to join the political world? “First of all, it is because of my love for Indonesia,” she says. “Politics have always been a part of my life. So I have asked my husband’s permission and the support of my family, and I feel like this is the right time for me to contribute for this country.”

For the 2019 legislative election, the beautiful songstress is running as the legislative candidate with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) for the electoral district of East Java V in Malang Raya. Although now based in Jakarta, she still supports her hometown of Batu, a city near Malang. Her vision and mission are in line with PDI-P, which is to actualise welfare for the Indonesian people and advance female political participation. “Women’s participation in politics is still less than 30 per cent,” says the mother of four.

“One of the reasons I joined PDI-P is because it has its own political candidate training, including for the campaign team,” Krisdayanti explains. Would she be worried if people doubt her competency in politics? “I don’t mind. But they need to know that I take this very seriously,” she adds. “If I get elected, I will opt to sit in either Commission VIII or X, as my mission is to improve children’s education and promote female empowerment,” says Krisdayanti with a charming smile.

[Photography: Heri B. Heryanto, Styling: Jamal Abbad, Make-up and Hair: Bennu Sorumba and Emma 184, Wardrobe: VM by Viena]

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