Demands rise for regent's resignation<\/p>\n
SURABAYA: East Java Governor Imam Utomo said on Saturday that
\nhe had recommended the withdrawal of a regent following public
\npressure for his resignation over his alleged involvement in the
\nkillings of over 100 people in the province.<\/p>\n
Regent Purnomo Sidik reportedly issued instructions last year
\nto list all suspected practitioners of black magic. Purnomo
\nclaimed the list was intended to protect the alleged
\npractitioners. However, the move has been blamed for the deaths
\nof many of those on the list, as well as many others in the
\nprovince.<\/p>\n
Antara quoted the governor as saying he made the
\nrecommendation to Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid, and
\nthat he was soon to meet the minister to discuss the issue.<\/p>\n
\"What's important is that the method will be constitutional.
\nThere are many ways to pursue this move, such as through the
\nlocal council or by a ministerial decree because it was the
\nminister who appointed the regent,\" Imam said.<\/p>\n
Imam also met Choirul Anam, chairman of the fact-finding team
\nset up by the Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama to investigate
\nthe killings. Many of the victims of the killings were members of
\nNahdlatul Ulama.<\/p>\n
Choirul said he had also met the military commander of
\nBrawijaya, Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, on Friday. Choirul said
\nhe believed the commander would make a similar recommendation to
\nthe commander of the Armed Forces, Gen. Wiranto. The regent is a
\ncolonel in the Armed Forces.<\/p>\n
Antara reported that crowds representing 21 districts came in
\nturns to the council demanding the regent's resignation.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/demands-rise-for-regents-resignation-1447893297",
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