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)