1,207 to guard governor's inauguration

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Southeast Sulawesi Police said on Friday that they would deploy 1,207 officers to ensure security during the inauguration of the newly elected governor and its deputy, Ali Mazi and Yusran Silondae, on Saturday.

Spokesman for the provincial police Comr. Muharam Riyadi said the deployment of police personnel was aimed at preventing those opposed to the election of the new governor from sabotaging the event.

Ali and Yusran are scheduled to be sworn in by Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno. The ceremony was actually scheduled to be done a month ago.

Meanwhile, Kendari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sumaryoto said that people should notify the local police before staging rallies, otherwise the security forces will disperse them.

"Expressing an opinion is guaranteed by rulings but such opinion should not be expressed in a chaotic manner. We will take stern measures against any violent protests," he said. --Antara