Kampar regent making comeback

PEKANBARU, Riau: A senior official in the Riau provincial administration said on Wednesday Minister of Home Affairs Mohammad Ma'ruf had approved ousted Kampar regent Jefri Noer resuming office beginning on Thursday.

"The minister signed the order and it will take effect on Thursday," said the official, who asked not to be identified.

Jefri Noer was dismissed by the Kampar Regency Council last year after it passed a motion of no confidence.

The speaker of the council, Masnur, said he had heard nothing about Jefri returning to office and promised to look into the matter.

The ousted regent's troubles began last year after he ordered a respected educator out of a meeting after the man questioned him about the budget allocation for education in the regency.

Seen as arrogant, Jefri was soon facing massive protests calling for his dismissal. The protests shut down much of the regency and attracted nationwide attention. -- JP