Basofi told of rejection

SURABAYA: Governor Basofi Soedirman was formally notified yesterday that he had been dropped from the nominations of the upcoming election for East Java governor by the central government in Jakarta.

Basofi insisted, however, that he would have the support of the majority of East Javanese if he was allowed to contest the election, Antara said.

When asked about his supporters' plan to stage a demonstration, he said he could not stop them but he could make sure that the demonstration did not lead to trouble. "They need to channel their aspirations somewhere," he said.

Basofi, a retired Army major general, is due to end his post on Aug. 26.

The East Java legislative council will vote for a new governor based on nominations that have been vetted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta.

Sources said Basofi's name was crossed out by the Armed Forces, which has given its endorsement to former East Java regional military commander Maj. Gen. Imam Oetomo. (nur/emb)