Money can buy supporters

Money can buy just about anything in this country, including a political campaign supporter.

Sugiyono, a resident of Setia Budi, Central Jakarta, said he had agreed to participate in Thursday's campaign for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) only after a party activist gave him Rp 40,000 (US$4.70).

"Actually, I am not going to vote for PDI-P. I just want its money, that's all. I am willing to accept money from other parties, too, to help in their campaign," said Sugiyono, who sells fried rice at night for a living.

He said that aside from the money, the activist had also given him a PDI-P T-shirt and a voucher for a free lunch at a nearby food stall.

When asked as to his preferred party, Sugiyono said: "It is confidential... I am not going to pick PDI-P nor Megawati Soekarnoputri, that's for sure."

Other parties, such as the Golkar Party and the Reform Star Party (PBR), had also given out cash to "hire" supporters for their campaigns.

Apparently, Golkar had paid Rp 50,000 per person, while PBR paid Rp 40,000. -- JP