Protests mark accountability report

BATANG, Central Java: Opponents and supporters of Batang Regent Bambang Bintoro gathered at the City Council building on Tuesday to express their views on the regent's accountability report.

Police from the small town on the northern coast of Central Java had to request additional officers from the neighboring towns of Pemalang and Pekalongan to avoid clashes between opponents and supporters of the regent.

The demonstration backed up traffic along the busy north-coast highway for several hours. Batang Police had to redirect vehicles to alternative route.

Despite the protests, the accountability report was accepted by the councillors. -- Antara