Mayor called on to resign

TEGAL, Central Java: Taking their lead from students, councilors and town hall officials here held a demonstration demanding Tegal Mayor HM Zakir resign.

The councilors organized the demonstration after their demands to the mayor and the central government fell on deaf ears.

Councilor Syarif H. Fawi expressed his disappointment that the people's demands had gone unheeded.

"It's clear that Tegal residents, as expressed through members of the council, want the mayor to step down. But you can see for yourself the reality of things," he said, referring to the ongoing demonstrations and the lack of response from the Ministry of Home Affairs on the matter.

Officials and employees of Tegal's town hall swore yesterday to support their councilors' protest by launching a strike.

"Even though he's (Zakir) my boss, if the people have spoken then we are ready to pitch in and strike," said town hall employee Muhammad. (45)