Campaign '97

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.