Getting to destiny on time

Getting to destiny on time

JAKARTA: As the election campaign nears its end, more people
realize they need new tricks to survive the gridlock caused by
long motorcades.

Residents, for instance, try to get to the office earlier and
not go out for lunch for fear of being trapped in the traffic.
Taxi drivers chose to work the night shift for the same reason,
even though it means a cut in their earnings.

One woman became livid because she could not get a taxi in the
afternoon when the United Development Party (PPP) had its
campaign turn last week.

"The radio dispatcher took my call only to say 'sorry Bu, no
taxi until after 5 p.m. (when campaigning should be over)'," she
said.

Another resident had to take his father to the hospital but
could not get through the throng of green-clad PPP supporters
dancing and making merry on the street.

He then whipped out several green headbands, donned one and
put another on his sick father, gave the party's one-finger sign
to rally participants, and honked his horn loudly.

"Long live PPP," he shouted repeatedly, and was then let
through.

A female resident had to get to the office in a hurry but the
road was blocked by PPP supporters. She rolled down the taxi's
window, waved to some supporters, and moaned: "I must get to the
hospital soon. My water broke."

The street rally participants made way for her, without
checking whether she was really pregnant. (swe)