Calm back in Sampang

SURABAYA: Calm returned to Sampang on Madura island off East Java on Thursday after local leaders agreed to postpone the inauguration of reelected regent Fadhilah Budiono.

Government offices reopened after being closed since Monday. School activities, however, remained at a standstill.

The crowd who had for days gathered at the National Awakening Party (PKB) chapter office on Jl. Pahlawan, dispersed themselves peacefully.

The PKB's East Java chapter chairman Choirul Anam hailed the return of peace in Sampang.

"We should find a solution which could be accepted by the two warring camps," Anam told The Jakarta Post.

Angry mobs set Sampang Council office on fire on Wednesday to protest the reelection of Fadhilah, a police colonel, in July. Supported by the United Development Party and the Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police factions, Fadhilah secured 23 votes to beat the PKB candidate by just one ballot. (jun/nur)