Protest mars anniversary

Protest mars anniversary

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Student demonstrations spoiled the
ceremony commemorating the 393rd anniversary of the South
Sulawesi capital of Makassar held at the legislative council
building on Thursday.

The protesters claiming to be from the Association of
Indonesian Islamic Students's Legal Aid protested against several
games which they considered a form of gambling at the fair
sponsored by the administration to mark the city's anniversary.

"We want the mayor to have all the gambling games closed
within five days. Or else we will have them closed by our own
ways," Syamsuddin, the students' spokesman said.

He did not describe the games which they considered a form of
gambling.

Mayor HB Amiruddin Maula said after the ceremony that he
welcomed criticism.

"Let's talk about the future of Makassar. We welcome any
criticism, which is not destructive. Such games for entertainment
are usual for a metropolitan city," he said. (27/sur)