Establishment of new regency sought

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Some 300 residents rallied on Tuesday to the provincial council, demanding that the local administration expedite the establishment of West Manggarai regency.

The demonstrators, mainly consisting of students and youths, also protested the arrest of six local activists on Saturday, who had been fighting for establishment of the regency.

East Nusa Tenggara provincial council speaker Daniel Woda Pale told representatives of the demonstrators that he would help expedite the process.

"I will ask the governor to push the Manggarai regent to issue a recommendation (for the establishment of the new regency)," Daniel told the residents.

The residents alleged that Mangarai regent Anthon Bagul Dagul and his administration had ignored the aspirations of local people.

East Nusa Tenggara is currently comprised of six regencies and one mayoralty. (30)