Governor's inauguration protested<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with security
\nforces in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Monday as they tried to
\ndisrupt the inauguration of Harun Alrasid as the province's
\ngovernor.<\/p>\n
The clash resulted in dozens hurt as security officers blocked
\nthe demonstrators' path to the provincial legislature where
\nMinister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid and 44 legislators
\nwitnessed the inauguration.<\/p>\n
Unable to break through the security barrier, the
\ndemonstrators vented their frustration on nearby buildings and
\ncars.<\/p>\n
\"According to the information that we've received so far, 10
\ndemonstrators and three security personnel were injured and
\nhospitalized at Mataram Public Hospital,\" said West Lombok Police
\nPrecinct chief Lt. Col. Junaidhy Thiansyah as quoted by Antara.<\/p>\n
At least seven cars, belonging to the provincial
\nadministration, were damaged.<\/p>\n
Junaidhy said at least 16 people had been detained for
\ndamaging cars and buildings.<\/p>\n
Security forces successfully contained the unrest as troops
\nwere swiftly deployed to other sections of the city to anticipate
\nfurther breakouts of violence.<\/p>\n
Officials, anticipating a security disturbance, had prepared
\nfor further turmoil following unrest on Saturday over Harun's
\nelection.<\/p>\n
Students, youths and religious leaders in West Nusa Tenggara
\nhave staged a series of demonstrations since the election took
\nplace on Aug. 1.<\/p>\n
They claim that Harun is unpopular among the local population
\nand accuse him of buying votes in the election.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, thousands gathered in front of the provincial
\nlegislature to express their discontent. The rally eventually
\ndeteriorated into chaos.<\/p>\n
Several people were injured and at least 27 were detained.<\/p>\n
Born in Bolo, Bima district, Harun, 59, replaces Maj. Gen.
\n(ret) Warsito for the post's 1998\/2003 term.<\/p>\n
Harun, a former Jakarta deputy governor, garnered 22 votes in
\nthe legislature while his two rivals, West Lombok Regent HL.
\nMudjitahid and West Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor HL Azhar,
\nreceived 17 and 6 votes respectively.<\/p>\n
Syarwan seemed to dismiss the protests, maintaining that Harun
\nhad been elected in accordance to proper rules.<\/p>\n
\"I'm not worried because what I'm doing is consistent with the
\nConstitution,\" he said after the inauguration. (01)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/governors-inauguration-protested-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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