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