Manipulating the Masses in a Time of Disaster

The political party elites are busily watching the victims of the Jakarta floods. Party posts and flags have been set up among the poor victims. Is this politicizing a disaster?

February 5, 2002

The campaign for the 2004 general election is still a long way off, but it appears the unofficial campaign may have already started. The trigger? A disaster which has cost dozens of lives. Take a look at the submerged or partly submerged areas in Kampung Melayu, Bukitduri, Manggarai, Cipinangmuara and elsewhere around Jakarta. Look in the capital’s numerous mudholes. Banners, insignia, party flags, even the plastic bags for packets of aid a

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