Jakarta. Singer and presenter Surya "Uya Kuya" Utama is asking for the opportunity to demonstrate that elected artists can be vocal representatives and meet the expectations of their constituents.

“Give these elected artists a chance to show their performance. Who knows, the artists in the House of Representatives (DPR) may have a greater impact than those who are not. However, I also understand the public’s skepticism towards artists,” Uya Kuya said ahead of his inauguration as a member of the 2024-2029 House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Uya is also known for his podcast and YouTube channel, which address social, political, legal, and criminal issues.

“If you look at my podcast, what I do might be bolder than what current DPR members are doing. So, God willing, if I am inside the system, I will be even more vocal,” he told Beritasatu.com.

He plans to focus on social issues, particularly the challenges faced by migrant workers. Additionally, he aims to advocate for communities that lack access to legal justice, as well as Indonesia’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2045.

“Indonesia stands to benefit from a demographic bonus in 2030, with 68 percent of the population in their productive years. However, there are many examples of countries that have failed to utilize their demographic bonuses, such as Brazil and South Africa, due to a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and available jobs,” Uya explained.

Of the 580 new lawmakers, 25 come from celebrity backgrounds, including actress Arzeti Bilbina from the National Awakening Party (PKB), singer Ashraff Abu from the Golkar Party, actor Dede Yusuf from the Democratic Party, former Ungu Band lead singer Sigit "Pasha" Purnomo from the National Mandate Party (PAN), TV host Nico Siahaan, and comedian Denny Cagur from PDI-P.

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