JAKARTA
As Indonesians headed to the polls Wednesday, election officials across the land were hoping for an avalanche of first-time voters - spending hours donning traditional wayang costumes, while others wore red noses and clown make up.
In an effort to get out the vote - amid concerns that a complex electoral process and corruption would discourage young voters - officials donned fancy dress to appeal to and entertain the new electorate.
While election officials in Semarang City in Central Java province donned clown costumes, others dressed as wayang figures - traditional leather shadow play puppets most often equated with Java island, the home of 57 percent of Indonesia's population
Semarang poll chairman Ramadan - many Indonesians use only one name - told the Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that such costumes - in addition to entertaining visitors - are to encourage the president to realize his election promise.
"Do not just entertain with entertaining promises - like the funny clown - but also with real work," he underlined.
Ramadan said that he and four of his officers got up at 5am to dress up as clowns - polls opened at 7am - ranging from the officer to the chief poll officer.
"We make up on our own [costumes]," he said, with much of the materials coming from a neighborhood boutique.
"None are embarrassed or uncomfortable with their appearance,” he added. "They are professionals."
He said that the clown's typical makeup - thick lips that smile and white powder foundation - make for a relaxed atmosphere at the polls as voters are entertained.
Suroyo, a voter, told AA that he felt excited by the clown's presence because in previous polls there was no creativity.
"It makes it more interesting to vote," he said.
www.aa.com.tr/en
