'CNN' covers PAN rally

'CNN' covers PAN rally

JAKARTA: Touted as one of the reform parties with a chance to
win the most votes in the forthcoming elections, it was no
surprise that the National Mandate Party (PAN) was given full
coverage by "CNN" on Thursday.

It was CNN's decision to recruit local resident Sutaryo which
was the real surprise.

The tireless 21-year-old man from Koja, North Jakarta,
wandered around the crowd of 1,500 packing Tugu square while
shooting scenes with his paper-made camera inscribed with the
acronym of the respected American cable news channel.

"I do this because of my affection for the party. I always
pray for its victory at the expense of corruption, collusion and
nepotistic practices," Sutaryo told Antara.

The mechanic said the imitation camera plus its microphone
cost him Rp 15,000 (US$1.87). "I received no donation from the
party or anybody else to make the camera," he said.

Brimming with confidence, Sutaryo said he would "cover" the
rest of PAN's campaign rallies. (amd)