Getting to Know Steven Kandouw, the Sulut Gubernatorial Candidate Ready to Step Down to Protect the Church

Kapanlagi.com - Drs. Steven Octavianus Estefanus Kandouw, born on September 5, 1969, is a key figure in the political history of North Sulawesi. Since February 12, 2016, he has served as the Deputy Governor and has shown exceptional commitment to advancing his region. His political career began as a member of the North Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives from 2004 to 2015, where he tirelessly fought for the interests of the community.

With rich experience and unwavering dedication, Steven is now preparing to step into a new chapter: running as a Candidate for Governor of North Sulawesi in the upcoming November 2024 elections. So, what is the inspiring figure of Steven Kandouw like? Let’s take a closer look!

1. Starting from the DPRD Chair

For ten years serving as the Chairman of Commission II in the DPRD, Steven successfully gained the trust of the community in the fields of Economy and Finance, until in the 2014 legislative elections, he achieved remarkable success by being elected as the Chairman of the DPRD of North Sulawesi thanks to the extraordinary support of 33,649 votes.

"My service to the community is the priority," emphasized Steven, reaffirming his dedication to advancing the region. Not stopping there, Steven continued his ambition by running for Vice Governor of North Sulawesi.

In 2015, the PDI Perjuangan nominated him to run alongside Olly Dondokambey, and both successfully garnered the most votes in the simultaneous regional elections on December 9, 2015. This historic moment continued with their inauguration at the State Palace on February 12, 2016, marking the beginning of their hopeful term for the period 2016-2021.

2. Steps Towards the 2015 Regional Election and Inauguration

The journey of Steven Kandouw towards the position of Vice Governor of North Sulawesi began in 2015, when the PDI Perjuangan party nominated him to run alongside Olly Dondokambey in a challenging political arena.

In the first simultaneous regional elections in Indonesia, this pair achieved a remarkable victory with 647,252 votes, defeating their rivals, Benny Mamoto-Davud Bobihoe, who only gathered 389,463 votes, and Maya Rumantir-Glenny Kairupan, who obtained 222,233 votes.

"This success does not belong only to us, but also to all the people of North Sulawesi who believe in and support our vision," Steven stated, emphasizing the importance of public support in every political step they take.

This victory also led to their official inauguration by President Joko Widodo on February 12, 2016, where they pledged to contribute maximally to advancing the region and improving the welfare of the community.

3. Contribution as Deputy Governor

As an energetic Deputy Governor, Steven Kandouw not only shares the stage with Governor Olly Dondokambey but also carries a significant mission to advance North Sulawesi. With a burning spirit, he is directly involved in various development programs aimed at improving the quality of life for the community, with a primary focus on the economy, education, and health.

In addition, Steven is also active in various organizations, serving as the Vice Chair of the DPD PDIP North Sulawesi and the Treasurer of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) North Sulawesi, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the progress of his region.

4. Willing to Step Down to Protect GMIM

In a heartfelt statement, Pnt. Steven Octavianus Estefanus Kandouw expressed his willingness to withdraw from the gubernatorial candidacy if necessary to uphold the honor of the Minahasa Evangelical Christian Church (GMIM). He firmly emphasized that the ongoing interventions could threaten the peace and integrity of the church he loves.

As the Vice Chair of the GMIM Synod in the Resource and Fund Sector, Kandouw is deeply concerned about the legal pressures faced by GMIM, particularly the Synod Working Body, regarding the management of church finances. In his view, the church is now trapped as a "victim" of detrimental political ambitions.

5. Brave Decision

In the midst of public attention directed at him, Steven Kandouw firmly stated that if his ambition to serve as the Governor of North Sulawesi could disrupt the existence of GMIM, he is ready to set aside his political aspirations.

"I am willing to give up that gubernatorial seat to someone else who wants it more. What is most important to me is to keep GMIM standing tall and to glorify the name of God," he expressed, greeted by a thunderous applause from thousands of congregation members at the Bukit Moria Rike Church.

With enthusiasm, Kandouw called on all congregation members and the community to pray that the Working Body of the Synod Assembly and GMIM remain strong and free from negative influences. This brave stance reflects Kandouw's commitment to protecting the integrity of the church, which is an inseparable part of his life.

(kpl/rmt)