Sorry, no jeans at the Assembly

Sorry, no jeans at the Assembly

JAKARTA (JP): About a dozen journalists were shocked yesterday
when they were barred from entering the House of Representatives
complex after a "no jeans" policy was enforced.

The no T-shirt or jeans rule had been in place since the start
of the General Assembly. But it was only yesterday, the ninth day
of the congress, that the requirement was enforced, much to the
chagrin and ire of many unsuspecting journalists.

"Only here is there a fashion police," charged one irate
television reporter.

Heated debates were also seen as several reporters argued with
security officials as to whether their trousers were considered
to be jeans.

"Hey, I'm not wearing blue jeans. Even the color is cream, not
blue. Can't you tell the difference?" one reporter was overheard
arguing with a security officer.

"These are blue jeans!" the officer replied. "Look they are
thick and double stitched."

Some reporters, under the pressure of journalistic duty, did
not bother to argue and either went home to change or bought a
new pair of pants at the nearby Palmerah market. (mds)