Govt reinstates Kampar regent

Govt reinstates Kampar regent

JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf on Friday issued a decree to reinstate the regent of Kampar, Jefry Noor, in Riau province, who had been suspended following a series of major protests against him.

The ministerial decree annulled the previous one suspending Jefry and his deputy H.A. Zakir that was made in April last year.

Ma'ruf argued that an investigation by his office found no evidence of violations by Jefry, but asked him to ensure the effectiveness of his regental administration.

Jefry and Zakir were suspended from office by then home affairs minister Hari Sabarno following demonstrations and strikes by teachers and students in Kampar.

The strikes were triggered by Jefry's alleged move to expel a school principal from an official meeting he was chairing. The expelled teacher had reportedly criticized Jefry's education policies. --Antara