'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)