Rain stops Batam demonstration

Rain stops Batam demonstration

BATAM, Riau: Torrential rains, starting at almost 8 a.m. in
Batam on Wednesday, seem to have prevented some 300 people from
demonstrating to demand Batam Mayor Asman Abnur's resignation.

"The demonstrators had been ready since early morning, but
their plans were spoilt by the rains," said Zulkarnaen, a local
youth leader, here.

The demonstrators had planned to protest Abnur's recent
statement, urging that the Ministry of Home Affairs suspend the
Batam Authority, which he said was against the spirit of regional
autonomy.

Observers said that the mayor should not have made such a
statement.

"He should have realized that the statement could affect
investment in the island city." said Hidayat, a resident.
--Antara