H

undredsof villagers who had flocked to a muddy field in Indramayu, West Java weresubdued on Tuesday eveningafter presidential candidate Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who just emergedon stage, suddenly disappeared from view after half the stage collapsed.

Dozensof Jokowi supporters also fell down, as well as Indonesian Democratic Party ofStruggle (PDI-P) politician Rieke Dyah Pitaloka who served as the MC forJokowi's campaign in Karangsong village.

Aftertwo minutes, some individuals re-emerged on the remaining part of the stage,but not Jokowi. The audience, mostly fishermen, who were previously chanting"Jokowi! Jokowi!", was silenced.

"IsJokowi okay?" said a woman who stood at the back of the field.

Herquestion was answered moments later, after Jokowi was seen at the back of theone-meter-high stage widely smiling and raising both of his hands.

Thepeople cheered and chants of "Jokowi! Jokowi!" could be heardagain.

"Iapologize I was late, but I am really grateful you are still here after waitingfor hours," Jokowi said.

He hasbegun a six-day tour to West Java and Central Java. Previously, he visitedCibitung, Purwakarta, Subang and Pamanukan, all in West Java.