Nana Rukmana, Cirebon – It would not be a political party if it were unwilling to snatch any opportunity to attract public support. Indonesia's political parties have always had ways of doing so by utilizing the Idul Fitri exodus and the returning traffic along Java's north coast highway.
Several parties erected posts at strategic locations along the HR Dharsono and Jendral Ahmad Yani bypass in Cirebon, West Java – the busiest stretch of road linking cities in Central Java and Jakarta.
The posts were guarded by uniformed party cadres who provided mineral water and snacks for motorists stopping there. In addition, the posts also provided other free services ranging from medical examinations and massages to the provision of guidance and information for motorists intending to find shortcuts or alternative routes.
Parties erecting posts included the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Democratic Party (PD) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).
Gerindra Party Cirebon chapter deputy chairman Budi Permadi said that the posts were meant to help travelers with problems during the exodus and return journey.
"Exhausted travellers or others experiencing difficulties finding the right directions can drop by the posts for help. Our cadres are ready for them," Budi said.
He did not deny remarks claiming that the posts were intended to attract public support. "If the party can offer acts of sympathy for the public, they will in turn support the party. That is our aim," he said.
The Gerindra Party has just had one legislator at the Cirebon Legislative Council resulting from 8,000 votes, or 4 percent, of the total eligible voters there during the 2009 general elections. "We aim to gain 5 to 7 percent of voters in the next general elections," he said.
Similar remarks were made by PDI-P's Cirebon chapter secretary Didi Sunardi, who said that his party's posts showed care for Muslims who celebrated Idul Fitri in their home towns.
"The posts are intended to help our brothers and sisters from the Muslim community who are on the way to their home towns to celebrate Idul Fitri festivities. PDI-P feels responsible for helping the smooth flow of traffic during the Idul Fitri exodus and its returning traffic," Didi said.
He further said that the practice had been regularly done by his party over the last five years. "Whenever we erect the posts, the response from the travelers has been great, so we decided to continue the tradition," he said.
PDI-P is the third largest party in Cirebon after the Democratic Party and the Golkar Party. PDI-P has five legislators at the Cirebon council. All posts were ornamented with symbols of their respective parties, including flags and banners.