Posters disappear from streets

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Most streets in the city were on Monday clear of promotional materials for the election after the two campaign teams and public order officers got a start on the task of taking down banners and posters Sunday.

The workers, however, encountered difficulties in removing giant billboards and posters pasted on walls (see photos) because they lacked the tools needed for the job.

Although some election ads were still seen in alleys and quiet streets, the Jakarta Elections Commission said the whole city would be totally free of them Tuesday, the day before election day.

To maximize voter turnout, the city administration has urged companies to give their employees the day off.

A number of survey institutes have estimated that more than 65 percent of Jakartans either will abstain from voting or missed out on voter registration.

Bank Indonesia affirmed Monday it would be business as usual on Aug. 8 for state and private banks.

The central bank's public relations bureau chief, Filianingsih Hendarta, said workers would still have time to cast their ballots in between working hours.

""The central bank expects all banks in Jakarta and in the suburbs of Jakarta to give service to the people and to continue with economic activities as usual. The bank also hopes the election will go smoothly,"" she said.