Rival flags fly in support at Amien-Siswono rally
Bambang Nurbianto and A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Presidential candidate Amien Rais and his running mate not only managed to attract a huge crowd during their outdoor rally here on Saturday, but perhaps garnered support from constituents of their contenders.
Flags and other symbols of Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and Crescent Star Party (PBB) were visible at the main stadium of the Bung Karno Sports Center during the rally, alongside flags belonging to the National Mandate Party (PAN) which Amien chairs and new parties that officially endorsed the Amien-Siswono ticket.
PPP has nominated its leader Hamzah Haz as presidential candidate; PBB has announced its support for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla who run under the Democratic Party; while PKS has not disclosed its preferred candidate.
Speaking before around 50,000 people, the largest crowd so far at a single outdoor rally, Amien hailed the support from the various groups.
"God's willing, we will not betray this mandate," he said, vowing to maintain unity in diversity.
Other speakers at the rally included Sukmawati Soekarnoputri of the Marhaenism Indonesian National Party, Muchtar Pakpahan of Social Democratic Labor Party, Eros Djarot of the Freedom Bull National Party, Zainuddin MZ of the Reform Star Party and Buddhist monk Guna Badra Stavira.
In Surabaya, presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono held talks with a number of local figures, including the boss of home appliance giant Maspion Group, Alim Markus, and former East Java governor Muhammad Noer prior to an outdoor rally at the November 10 stadium.
During the rally, Susilo told his supporters to maintain friendship with supporters of other candidates to ensure the election proceeds peacefully.
"Indonesia must be more secure, peaceful and united in the future," he said before the crowd. He also reminded his supporters not to coerce people to vote for him.
Meanwhile, President Megawati Soekarnoputri and her husband Taufik Kiemas visited the South Sumatra capital of Palembang to inaugurate a Rp 104 billion (US$11.34 million) construction project, the main stadium of the Sriwijaya Sports Complex.
The 52,000 square meter stadium can accommodate some 40,000 people. The construction of the sports complex cost Rp 400 billion, and is expected to be completed before the city hosts the 16th National Games from Sept. 2 to Sept. 16.
Megawati, who is contesting the election, did not campaign on Saturday. But during the campaign period, she frequently visited the regions to inaugurate various projects.
In Medan, North Sumatra, Hamzah Haz' running mate Agum Gumelar joined hundreds of (becak) (three-wheeled pedicab) drivers in visiting a traditional market in the city. He took a becak to reach the market from his hotel.
At the market, where most of the traders sell fruit, Agum spoke to a number of vendors.
In Manado, North Sulawesi, Golkar Party presidential candidate Wiranto criticized his political opponents for continuously linking him to the New Order regime.
"I know I come from the flawed generation but I want to build a new generation through a healthier, fairer and more qualified national leadership," the former military chief said.