Protest turns violent in Jember

Protest turns violent in Jember

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of people were injured yesterday in the
East Java town of Jember when a street protest over election
results turned violent.

Sources in the small town, about 200 kilometers southeast of
Surabaya, said the violence broke out shortly after about 300
people had begun marching towards the Jember administration's
office after Friday prayers. The protesters were demanding
discussions on a revote.

When security forces tried to disperse the crowd, the
protesters fought back and threw stones at shops along Jl. Sultan
Agung.

Troops fired warning shots in the air before firing tear gas
and rubber bullets at the crowd.

The number of injured is unknown, but sources told The Jakarta
Post that both protesters and security personnel were hurt.
Dozens of shops' windows were smashed.

No security officials could be contacted for further details
on the violence, but district military chief Lt. Col. Djasmin
Sanos told the SCTV television station that eight protesters had
been injured by rubber bullets and one officer knifed.

Djasmin said the violence had been perpetrated by people
dissatisfied with local election results. He said they had been
"exploited by a third party," but did not elaborate. (aan)