Parties battle in the skies

Parties battle in the skies

PADANG, West Sumatra: Major political parties contesting next
weeks elections are intensifying their war of words into the
skies.

Over the past week, kites carrying symbols of the popular
parties here -- the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan), the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Justice Party
(PK) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) -- are flying high in
Padang skies.

During the campaign season, children and adults alike have had
their kite flying spirit politically rejuvenated.

Party kites have become a booming business in West Sumatra.
Kites emblazoned with party symbols cost up to Rp 5,000 each
compared to Rp 3,000 for an "ordinary" one, Antara reported.

Traders enjoying the windfall hang their kites on trees on the
sides of the roads in towns. They reported a threefold jump in
sales since campaigning began on May 19.