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)