REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Ulemas played their own role in 2019 presidential election. People were likely to observe and listen to the ulemas' voice. In the end, the ulemas’ voice influenced political preferences of the people.

“Ulema is not a profession, but people see them as identities, as exemplary, faith and become patrons," said LSI survey institute researcher, Ikrama Masloman on Wednesday (Nov 14).

According to Ikrama, religious figures have strong influence in all segments of voters. He said 51.7 percent of voters stated that they listened attentively to the appeal of religious figures.

Meanwhile, the other figures, such as politicians, observers, businessmen, academics, to famous celebrities influence were only less than 12 percent. Based on LSI survey, there are five ulemas that have the potential to influence presidential candidate votes.

According to the survey, ustaz Abdul Somad ranked as the top ulema followed by community. “Ustaz Somad lecture has influenced many people,” said Ikrama.

The survey methodology used multi random sampling with 1,200 respondents. The survey was conducted by face-to-face interview or using a questionnaire with a margin of error of around 2,8 percent.

Ikrama revealed as many as 30.2 percent of people followed ustaz Somad appeal. As many as 59,3 percent had heard his lecture and 82,5 percent like his character.

Referring to the level of appeal, as many as 38,6 percent said they cast their votes for incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) - KH Ma'ruf Amin pair and 54,3 percent other expressed their support for Prabowo Subianto - Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno pair. Meanwhile 7,1 percent other was still undecided.

Ustaz Arifin Ilham

The second influential ulema is ustaz Arifin Ilham with 25,9 percent of people following his lecture. According to the survey results, 59,3 percent had heard Arifin’s name and  84,4 percent like him.

Referring to the level of appeal, as many as 48,7 percent said they chose Jokowi - Ma'ruf and 45,7 percent stated support for Prabowo - Sandiaga. Meanwhile, 5,6 percent of respondents said they had not decided direction of their support.

Ustaz Yusuf Mansur

Another influential religious figure is ustaz Yusuf Mansur (YM). As many as 24,9 percent followed YM's appeal with a preference level of 84,9 percent. Respondents who had heard his name amounted to 57.2 percent.

Referring to the level of appeal, as many as 49 percent of respondents expressed support for candidate number 01 and 44,4 percent for candidate number 02. Meanwhile, 6,6 percent said they had not decided their supports yet.

Ustaz Abdullah Gymnatsiar (Aa Gym).

Another religious figure is Abdullah Gymnastiar (Aa Gym). He had a favorite level of 79,7 percent with 23,5 percent following his appeal. Meanwhile, 69,3 percent had heard of his name.

Referring to the level of appeal, as many as 49,2 percent Aa Gym followers support Jokowi - Ma’ruf pair and 46,2 percent support Prabowo - Sandiaga. Meanwhile, 4,6 percent stated they did know.

Habib Rizieq Shihab

The religious figure number five who was also heard by the community was Grand Imam of Islamic Defenders Front Habib Rizieq Shihab. His appeal was followed by 17 percent respondents. His favorite level is 52,9 percent and has heard his name 53,4 percent.

Based on the level of appeal, 31,5 percent voted for Jokowi-Ma'ruf and 63 percent supported Prabowo - Sandiaga. While 5,5 percent said they had not made a choice.

Based on this survey, Ikrama said Jokowi - Ma’ruf actually still more favorable among those who listened to the ulemas’ appeal. He continued, Jokowi - Ma'ruf also won in voters who did not listen to the ulemas’ appeal.

"The number of voters who listened to ulemas appeal is equal to those who did not," Ikrama said.

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