Acting regent installed despite huge protest

Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda

A large protest momentarily prevented East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna A.F. from swearing in Awang Dharma Bakti as acting Kutai Kartanegara regent on Monday.

The inauguration, originally set to take place in the local regent's offices, was shifted to Suwarna's offices in Samarinda, the provincial capital, because of the demonstrations.

While Syaukani's five-year term officially ended on Nov. 1, he will not be allowed, as is usual, to remain on as the regency's leader until direct elections are held for the post in June.

The move to replace Syaukani has caused an outcry from his supporters in the region, who believe it is politically motivated.

Suwarna and Syaukani's governments have been in frequent conflict since the regional autonomy law was first implemented in 2001.

Suwarna said after the ceremony that Awang had been appointed by order of a ministerial decree issued on Nov. 24.

The acting regent would lead the regency until the election of new leader took place, Suwarna said. Awang would also prepare the area for the direct election of a regent next year, he said.

Earlier that morning, Syaukani addressed thousands of his supporters gathered in front of the regent's offices in Tenggarong.

He told them he was disappointed about his replacement, and said he had not been consulted by the central government.

Protest coordinator Abdul Rasyid said Awang's inauguration was against the will of the people, who wanted Syaukani to stay in power until the next election.

The noisy-but-peaceful protest caused severe traffic jams in downtown Tenggarong. Demonstrators carried banners, and posters, one reading: "There is no place for Awang Dharma Bakti in Kutai Kartanegara."

The huge protest initially prevented Suwarna and his entourage from entering the town. When he was informed that thousands of protesters were outside the regent's offices Suwarna beat a hasty retreat to Samarinda.

In a show of defiance to the Governor, the Kutai Kartanegara council held a plenary meeting on the same day and extended Syaukani's tenure until the election.

From next year, regional heads of government will be elected directly as is mandated in the 1999 Regional Autonomy Law.

These direct elections are set to take place in more than 100 provincial and regional governments nationwide. In the past regional heads were elected by local councillors.

Kutai Kartanegara is a resource rich regency in East Kalimantan.