Palaguna installs mayor, regent

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Governor HZB Palaguna swore in caretaker mayor of Palopo, Patendungi Tenriadjeng, and Mamasa Regent Said Saggaf on Tuesday.

Guarded by around 100 police officers, the ceremony passed without incident despite previous reports of a planned rally by hundreds of people opposed to the election of Saggaf.

Hundreds of students attended the ceremony in a show of support for both Tenriadjeng and Saggaf, who will be in charge pending the election of new leaders.

The students played bamboo music instruments and performed a warrior dance to bring the ceremony to life.

Also present were community figures from the neighboring regency of Luwu, who wore traditional costumes.

Palaguna, in his speech, said he gave Tenriadjeng and Saggaf one year to carry out administrative reforms and prepare for elections. -- JP