Police clamp down in Samarinda city

Police clamp down in Samarinda city

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Tensions remained high in
Samarinda city on Friday with police maintaining a strong public
presence after major protests earlier against the appointment of
an acting regent for Kutai Kertanegara.

Security was tightened at several places, including East
Kalimantan Governor Suwarna AF's office and residence, as well as
at the home of his secretary, Syaiful Teteng.

On Monday, thousands of protesters rallied against the
swearing-in of Awang Darma Bhakti as acting regent to replace
Syaukani who had ended his five-year term. They wanted Syaukani's
tenure extended until his replacement was elected in June. --JP