Elephants in way of general election

Elephants in way of general election

JAKARTA (JP): Eighteen poll officials and two police officers delivering ballot boxes to a remote village in Lampung found themselves holed up in the jungle for a night when their way was blocked by a herd of seven elephants.

They reached Bandar Dalam village in western Lampung an hour- and-a-half behind schedule on four oxen-drawn carts after the huge animals eventually moved from the dirt road.

Antara described the night journey as hair-raising. No one dared to use their spotlights, switch on their walkie-talkies or talk among themselves for fear of attracting the wild beasts.

Even the oxen were understanding. They fell asleep while waiting for the elephants to return to the forest, which is part of Bukit Barisan National Park.

Forest authorities are searching for hunters they hold responsible for the death of many elephants in the area.

The still-frightened election officials reached the village at dawn and were greeted by the weary Perwakilan Bengkunat district chief Helmi Saad and police chief second Lt. Subagio.

On hearing their story, Helmi called them "heroes of development".(pan)