Dozens join race for regent post

CILACAP, Central Java: Since 1998 there has been more public participation in politics here as a record 42 people have nominated themselves for the top executive post in the regency since the registration began on Monday.

An election committee member, Syamsul Hidayat, said he had never seen such enthusiasm in the rest of Central Java province.

"Even in Brebes there were only 43 joining the election for the regency post," Syamsul said, referring to the town on the north coast.

He said the number of registrants could reach 100 since the enrollment period would not close until Aug. 26.

Among the candidates are incumbent Regent Herry Tabri, whose accountability speech was accepted by the legislative council on Wednesday. Herry may face strong opposition from council speaker Fran Lukman. -- JP