Gus Dur's face appears in tree

JAKARTA: An old kapok tree in Tegal, Central Java, has attracted many visitors after word spread that it had the image of influential Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid. Locals said his face would appear every time vehicle lights shone on the tree, a taxi driver here, Tajudin, said.

"He is really a wali," residents whispered, referring to Islamic leaders with supernatural skills. In daylight, one only sees a flag of the National Awakening Party (PKB), founded by Abdurrahman, propped up by bricks on its left and right.

The large tree is known to be very hard to climb, he added.

The leader, better known as Gus Dur, has also other known qualities here. "Locals say he can circumcise a boy from afar," Tajudin said. Despite tough competition with the United Development Party (PPP), the driver says PKB is sure to win.

"People are leaving PPP because the party is said to be pro- Golkar," he said, adding only elderly people are still with PPP. Since there are more PKB supporters in his village, he's sure the campaign will be safer than in Jakarta.

That's why the newly married man will only pick up his bride after the elections. (anr)