Extra jobs for PDI guards

JAKARTA: Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) security guards are not only responsible for maintaining order at rallies, but also to stop people leaving them.

After yelling throughout a one-hour speech delivered by PDI secretary-general Buttu Hutapea Thursday, most of the enthusiastic supporters who packed the Yos Sudarso sports hall in North Jakarta gave up to the heat.

The 5,000-seat hall had no air conditioners. Its three tired ceiling fans could do little to cool the audience.

When Buttu retired from the podium, they young supporters charged for the exit in search of fresh air.

But PDI guards refused to open the door and pushed the youths back into the hall, sometimes waving their batons.

"Let us through. The bulls want a drink," a young man, his face painted red, screamed.

"No, no. Please return to your seats until the rally ends," one guards replied.

PDI, beleaguered by an internal conflict, has had small audiences at its rallies compared to the United Development Party's or the dominant Golkar's.

When the youths and the guards were set to clash, a rally organizer intervened.

"Okay, come in because our dangdut singers are ready to entertain us," he said.

The thirsty mob slowly returned from the exit. (amd)