Civil servants cry out for help over public outrage
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.