Basofi told of rejection

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)