Artists show art of punching

Artists show art of punching

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A gathering of local artists and
entertainers turned nasty on Tuesday when rival camps came to
blows.

The situation got out of control as opposing camps shouted at
each other, grabbed each other's collars and traded punches,
Antara reported yesterday.

The violence ended only when police were called in but the
artists kept up their verbal attacks.

The conflict began after some artists accused the Lampung
artists' association's leaders of incompetence.

Critics said the association had failed to advance cultural
development in the province because some of the leaders were
interested only in advancing their positions.

They demanded the association be led by artists instead of
bureaucrats to ensure the association's independence.

There was also disagreement over nominations for association
leaders for the 1996-2001 term of office. (pan)