Campaign good season for barbers

PEKANBARU, Riau: Local barbers are overwhelmed with requests to shave heads in the form of party symbols or ballot paper numbers.

Youths faithful to the Indonesian Democratic Party are having their heads shaved in the form of a bull's head or "3". Golkar supporters want banyan-tree or "2" hair cuts and United Development Party supporters want the party star or "1".

Yusuf, a barber of 12 years experience at Cik Puan market, said Saturday that up to 20 youths had visited his stall each day since campaigning officially began last week.

"The busiest hours are in the afternoon before the youths go to the campaign grounds," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Most requests were from Golkar supporters who wanted their hair shaved in the shape of a banyan tree or number two, he said.

"It's easy to do," he said, adding that he earned at least Rp 75,000 a day from campaign haircuts.

His colleague, Zainuddin, spoke of similar windfalls.

"For only Rp 4,000, the youths can have their hair shaved into any shape they like," he said.

The bull's head, he said, was the most difficult cut because it was hard to shape the eyes and horns. (pan)