Election of heads of Bekasi villages

JAKARTA (JP): The Bekasi regency will hold an election for six local village heads on Oct. 8, head of the regency's administration affairs, Mardiatmo, said over the weekend.

The six villages, whose chiefs will be replaced, are Sukaragam, Tanjung Sari, Telaga Asih, Setia Jaya, Jati Asih and Karang Mekar, he said.

Mardiatmo said that the village heads are being replaced because they were found guilty of violating various regulations, ranging from illegal sale of city properties, to misappropriation of haj pilgrimage fees.

In preparation of the election, a number of residents in the six villages have declared themselves candidates for the posts of new chiefs and have started campaigning, he said.

In a related development, Samlawi, head of Suka Laksana village, is being reprimanded because he was accused of violating regulations on discipline.

M. Sahil, head of Pantai Harapan Jaya village, is being questioned at the Bekasi Prosecutors' Office due to his alleged involvement in the illegal sale of the city's properties, Mardiatmo said. (12/hhr)