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)