PAN backers not afraid of tractor

PAN backers not afraid of tractor

JAKARTA: Amien Rais would have never reached the podium to address his National Mandate Party (PAN) in North Jakarta on Wednesday if not for the help of a tractor.

The car that carried Amien to Sunter soccer field could not move because of the sea of PAN supporters seeking to get a glimpse of their chairman.

A supporter who came to the rally on a tractor had a good idea: Plowing a path through the crowd for Amien. The trick was effective, forcing people to make way for Amien's car.

But the tractor was only able to reach the soccer field and could not lead Amien all the way to the podium because people inside the arena did not seem worried by the prospect of being run over by a tractor.

After finally reaching the stage, Amien only addressed supporters for three minutes. He hastily excused himself, saying he had "run out of voice" after two weeks of campaigning, Antara reported.