Basofi's supporters protest at DPRD

SURABAYA: Around 700 santri (Islamic boarding school students) from Bangkalan and Pasuruan regencies on Madura island traveled to the provincial legislative council (DPRD) in 17 trucks to hold a demonstration in support of Governor Basofi Sudirman yesterday.

Antara reported the students were protesting at a rumored plan by the Minister of Home Affairs and the Armed Forces Headquarters to prevent Basofi standing for reelection. They demanded the ministry and ABRI respect their political rights and not stand in the way of any candidates that might have the support of some groups in society.

The students delivered a petition to council chairman Sutarmas, who explained that he had yet to receive word from the ministry about how many candidates would stand in the election.

The council has nominated Basofi, Imam Utomo, Haris Sudarno, Bambang Rahino and Syumli Syadli for the contest. (swe)