President's help sought in Sampang regent row<\/p>\n
SURABAYA (JP): The East Java administration will seek
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid's help in handling a rift over the
\nnewly elected regent of Sampang, Madura, Governor Imam Utomo said
\non Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
The decision was made after a meeting between two groups of
\nulema on Sunday evening to discuss the disputed regent's
\ninduction ended in a deadlock.<\/p>\n
\"Both groups remained firm in their arguments .... They just
\nagreed to maintain the peace in Sampang and that another meeting
\nshould be held,\" Imam, who appeared disappointed at the outcome,
\nsaid at his office.<\/p>\n
\"Therefore, I will leave the problem to the President and the
\nminister of home affairs. It's up to them to handle the matter.\"<\/p>\n
The newly elected regent, Fadhilah Budiono, is supported by
\nthe 12-member United Development Party (PPP) faction in the
\nregency legislative council, while the 18-member National
\nAwakening Party (PKB) faction opposes him. The council has a
\ntotal of 45 members.<\/p>\n
The governor sponsored the Sunday meeting between the ulema
\nfrom PPP and PKB.<\/p>\n
In the meeting, the PKB faction was represented by 10 ulema,
\nled by the chairman of PKB's East Java chapter, Choirul Anam, and
\na member of the House of Representatives, Fuad Amin Imron. The
\nPPP faction was represented by 10 ulema, led by the chairman of
\nPPP's Sampang chapter, Hasan Asy'ari.<\/p>\n
The dispute over Fadhilah's election began when thousands of
\nhis supporters took to the streets last week and blocked the main
\nroads in town. They demanded that Fadhilah be installed in
\noffice.<\/p>\n
Fadhilah was elected Sampang regent in July, and his
\nsupporters said he should have begun his term last month.<\/p>\n
A few days after the rally, PKB supporters burned the
\nlegislative council building in Sampang and accused Fadhilah of
\ncorruption.<\/p>\n
The attack took place after Minister of Home Affairs and
\nRegional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja issued a decree officially
\nappointing Fadhilah and Said Hidayat Sampang as regent and deputy
\nregent, respectively.<\/p>\n
Imam said on Sunday the dispute had placed him in a difficult
\nposition. \"If I install both Fadhilah and Said there will be huge
\ndemonstration against the move. On the other hand, Fadhilah's
\nsupporters will stage protests should I cancel the induction ....
\nBoth steps could lead to bloodshed. It's very dangerous.\"<\/p>\n
Hasan Asy'ari said he regretted the results of Sunday's
\nmeeting. \"Fadhilah's supporters might lose control, while his
\nopponents say they are satisfied with the decision.\"<\/p>\n
A PKB member, however, welcomed the outcome of the meeting.
\n\"For me, it was the best result we could have hoped to achieve in
\nthe meeting,\" said Fahrur Razi, chairman of PKB's Sampang
\nchapter. (nur\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/presidents-help-sought-in-sampang-regent-row-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}