Governor breaks for live TV show

JAKARTA (JP): Millions of the country's citizens were glued to their televisions on Wednesday to watch the live broadcast of the nail-biting presidential election.

East Java Governor Imam Utomo went so far as to temporarily suspend a meeting with his staff. He allowed all employees in his office to take several hours to witness the excitement of the neck-and-neck race for the presidency. The same scene was repeated in other government offices.

Antara reported that East Java's capital of Surabaya was quiet. Business and social activities were halted as people preferred to stay at home to watch the proceedings on TV.

"Not only staff, but arriving passengers and their families waiting for them watched on TV sets here," said Yayuk, an employee at Juanda International Airport.

In Jombang, the birthplace of elected president Abdurrahman Wahid, some 60 kilometers west of Surabaya, streets were deserted. Heavy rain throughout the day also prevented locals from venturing outside. (amd)