Activists demand regent be prosecuted

Activists demand regent be prosecuted

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Dozens of activists held a protest
on Friday in downtown Kendari, demanding that prosecutors speed
up a probe into the alleged embezzlement of Rp 11.6 billion
(US$1.2 million) by Muna regent Ridwan Bae.

The regent was accused of embezzling Rp 11.6 billion in a teak
tender recently in the regency.

But, later on the same day, hundreds of protesters supporting
the regent were seen gathering in a park in front of the
Southeast Sulawesi Prosecutor's office, where the first group of
protesters were holding the rally.

The two groups were soon locked in a war of words, but
security personnel quickly pacified both groups so that physical
violence was prevented. -- JP