Justice officials reject new head

JAYAPURA, Papua: Dozens of civil servants at the Justice and Human Rights office here have protested for three consecutive days, demanding that the government cancel the appointment of Sukarno as the head of the office, as he was incapable of leadership.

Sukarno has served three years as the head of Immigration at the office.

Antonius, a protester, said Sukarno was incapable of recruiting and filling 31 Immigration posts when he led the section.

"He was unable to lead even one section. We doubt that he can lead a provincial office," he said on Wednesday.

Sukarno was appointed on Jan. 23 by Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, replacing JB Aronggear, who had retired.

Sukarno was surprised upon learning that the protesters were fellow civil servants and said he was ready to step down if the minister ordered it. -- JP