LIFE went on as usual in Ponorogo, East Java, although on Monday last week a big event was taking place in the town noted for its reog, a traditional folk mask dance. Some of the residents did not seem to be in any way concerned with the ongoing regional leader elections.

Take Nuraini, a resident of Banyudono, Ponorogo district, for example. She preferred to attend to her newspaper stall that day. For her, to earn money was far more imp