Campaign '97

Photo A/B/C: Hairs

JP/Arief Suhardiman JP/Arief Suhardiman JP/Arief Suhardiman

HAIR RAISING: Zany hairstyles take center stage at rallies by Golkar (left) and the United Development Party (PPP) (above). One of the PPP supporters further expresses his party allegiance by wearing glasses and an earing bearing stars, the party's symbol. Golkar's symbol is the banyan tree and the Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) is a bull's head, which two PDI supporters use as the design for unique head coverings. (right)

Photo D/E: Media

JP/PJ Leo JP/Mulkan Salmona

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Being in the media spotlight, especially television, gives the campaigners a sense of pride. These youths play at being a camera crew from private television station RCTI in covering PPP campaign activities (above). In reference to his party's internal problems, a PDI supporter holds the sign Biar Gepeng Tetep Banteng (Although I've Been Squeezed, I'm Still a Bull) (left).

Photo F/G: Rallies

JP/PJ Leo JP/IGGP Bayu Ismoyo

RISKY RIDES: Violations of traffic regulations are commonplace during rallies. For many youths, taking part in a rally is an opportunity for fun, regardless of dangers from riding in overloaded vehicles (above and right). They yell and honk the horn as loud as possible. The authorities usually turn a blind eye to most violations and let the youths go after a warning.

Photo H/I: Faithful

JP/P.J. Leo JP/Arief Suhardiman

PARTY FAITHFUL: Draping flags and banners in the streets is not enough for some ardent campaigners. Member of the PPP tied a party flag to the body and the leg of this statue to show its "support" of the party (above). PDI's internal conflicts have split the party into two camps. Some follow Soerjadi, the government-recognized chairman, but others remain behind ousted chairwoman Megawati, including a young man (right) wearing a T-shirt with the defiant message Mega! Atau Tidak Sama Sekali (Mega or Not at All).

Photo J: Spies

JP/Arief Suhardiman

TRUE COLORS: Proper garb is a must at rallies. Five supporters of Golkar and PDI, accused of spying at a PPP rally, are stripped down to their underwear and ordered to put on the party's green attire.