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)