Heavy security for mayoral election

Heavy security for mayoral election

TANGERANG (JP): Tight security surrounded the Tangerang
Legislative Council on Monday following rumors of a major
demonstration before the mayoral election scheduled for Tuesday.

Dozens of armed soldiers and police officers were deployed to
ensure there was no disruption. Reasons behind the rumored
protest were unclear, although allegations of corruption have
been leveled at outgoing mayor Djakaria Machmud.

Tangerang district military chief Lt. Col. Maris Wiryadi
guaranteed security during the election, saying he would also
enlist help from members of youth organizations to safeguard the
process.

"We will tightly guard the council building and its
surroundings. Only people with official invitations will be
allowed to enter the building," he said.

Council chairman Dedy Mulyono said the mayor would be chosen
from three candidates -- Nana Suryana, Enjang Sudarsono and M.
Thamrin -- who were approved by the minister of home affairs.

Dedy said they were picked from a shortlist of five nominees
to serve as mayor for the 1998/2003 term.

"We hope the next mayor, who will replace incumbent mayor
Djakaria Machmud, will meet the expectations of both the people
and the central government," Dedy said. (41/jun)