Hundreds protest Bintang's firing

Hundreds protest Bintang's firing

SURAKARTA, Central Java: Hundreds of supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) demonstrated their disgust Thursday of the planned dismissal of outspoken legislator Sri Bintang Pamungkas.

They demanded that PPP chief Ismail Hasan Metareum cancel the plan because Bintang was an invaluable asset for the party as he was among few legislators who had the courage to voice people's concerns.

Led by local legislator Taufik, the demonstrators, who were mostly youngsters, unfurled banners and chanted slogans in front of the headquarters of the local chapter of PPP.

"The firing damages PPP's future," "Don't muzzle outspoken legislators," "The recalling is disgusting", read several of the posters.

In Semaramg, vice chairman of the party's provincial chapter Djuhad Mahdja said that he "could understand" why the youngsters were frustrated, mentioning that the demonstration could spread to other areas. (har)