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)