Civil servants cry out for help over public outrage
Yuliansyah, The Jakarta Post, Banjarmasin
Civil servants in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan are crying out for help over the unruly behavior of student and non-governmental organization (NGO) activists protesting for the expulsion of Governor Sjachriel Darham and his deputy Husin Kasah.
South Kalimantan Civil Servant Corps (Korpri) chairman Armain Janit said Friday his organization had asked Minister for Home Affairs Hari Sabarno to take the necessary measures to handle the public outrage which had hurt the performance of civil servants in Banjarmasin, especially those at the governor's office.
"We urge the minister to intervene before the situation deteriorates," said Armain, adding that he sent copies of the letter to the South Kalimantan Legislature and police.
Hundreds of students and youths from various organizations searched the gubernatorial building and other government offices in Banjarmasin on Thursday, tearing into pieces pictures of Governor Sjachriel and his deputy. They also vandalized the governor's official residence, writing graffiti that threatened to resort to violence if Sjachriel refused to step down.
Armain complained that civil servants there were anxious and depressed and could not discharge their duties due to the protests.
The South Kalimantan legislature fired governor Sjachriel and his deputy last month, alleging that they had abused their power.
Sjachriel, however, refused to step down, insisting that the dismissal should get approval from the president.
Minister for Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said earlier that the government still recognized Sjachriel as the legitimate governor of South Kalimantan.
At least 12 representatives of non-governmental organizations, lawyers associations, and intellectual groups signed a petition on Friday supporting the dismissal of Governor Sjachriel and his deputy.
Meanwhile, South Kalimantan police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comm. R. Sunanto said Friday that police authorities have questioned some investors and river transportation companies over Sjachriel's involvement in corruption, collusion, and nepotism practices that undermined the hundred-billion-rupiah Barito river dredging project.
Police also planned to question Sjachriel about an alleged slander he made towards the provincial chapter of Golkar party chairman Sulaiman HB and the Dalas Hangit Foundation chairman Hariansyah.
Sjachriel had accused the foundation of having exploited the Meratus forest illegally.
"But it will take time to question him because we should get the President and the National Police's permission first," Sunanto said.