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.