THE election of the Regent of Bekasi was over three months ago. But a half-page colored advertisement was still found on page 31 of a national daily. “Don’t forget third-month regional polling day, elect number three,” the large type read, accompanying a photograph of the regency’s prospective leaders, Memet Rochamat and Jejen Sayuti.

Perhaps with the aim of convincing voters, the ad dated March 9, 2007 also carried the picture of forme