Indonesia swears in ‘Ultraman’ and other MPs, as House Speaker’s re-election hints at stronger Prabowo coalition

The Golkar party politician “appeared” as the superhero Ultraman for the inauguration ceremony, although it was later revealed that he had hired a stuntman to wear the costume while he donned a formal suit.

Mr Jamaludin told news outlet Kompas it was to commemorate his experience running for the DPR.

“When I was campaigning, I wore the Ultraman costume, and I want to keep that spirit alive,” the businessman said.

The costume symbolises his dedication as a House member to fight crime and promote social justice, added the political newcomer, who told local media outlet Radar Kudus that he comes from a humble, non-political background. 

After completing high school, he worked as a porter at the market earning 30,000 rupiah (US$2) per day. 

He later secured a position at an insurance company, where he climbed the ranks to become an agency director before venturing into his current skincare business.

Meanwhile, 79 lawmakers are part of political dynasties, according to a review by Indonesian Parliament Watch (Formappi).

They include Mr Prabowo’s Gerindra party secretary-general Ahmad Muzani and his wife, Mdm Himmatul Aliyah, who are currently serving their fourth and second terms, respectively, in the DPR.

Another prominent figure is Ms Diah Pikatan Orissa Putri Haprani, the daughter of Mdm Puan, who is starting her first term in the House, representing Central Java’s 4th district.

As the number of political families in the House continues to rise, concerns about potential conflicts of interest have been raised.

Formappi senior researcher Lucius Karius, quoted by the Jakarta Post, said that the trend of political dynasties could hinder the legislative body’s effectiveness. “This opens doors for more corruption and collusion,” he said.