Dayaks want governor out

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Dayak tribal leaders said on Wednesday they wanted outgoing Central Kalimantan Governor Warsito Rasman to leave the province as soon as possible, saying his five-year term was more than enough and his presence was no longer needed in the province.

Dayak Traditional Council chairman Walman Narang told the provincial legislative council that Warsito's term expired in July and he should leave the province as soon as possible.

Walman said the Dayak people rejected last week's decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs extending Warsito's term until the election of a new governor.

"Please do not add to the people's suffering; we have been fooled by Warsito for five years," Antara quoted Walman as saying.

Warsito, who was then a senior official at the Ministry of Home Affairs, won a controversial election to become governor of the province in 1994.

The election was initially won by then North Barito regent Apuk Nihin, a native Dayak. Then minister of home affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. annulled Apuk's victory and ordered another election, which was won by Warsito.

Two months ago, President B.J. Habibie appointed Apuk Central Kalimantan's provincial secretary in a move which sparked controversy in the province. (prb)