Regent suspended pending probe

SURABAYA, East Java: To allow for a police probe into mass murder in his regency, Banyuwangi Regent T. Purnomo Sidik was "temporarily discharged" on Monday, Antara reported.

The decision followed months of demands from local leaders, politicians and activists to dismiss the regent, who ordered the compiling of a list of black magic practitioners, who were subsequently murdered. The regent claimed the list was aimed to protect them.

Over 200 suspected black magic practitioners and religious leaders were killed, followed by murders of alleged killers in East Java and other provinces which lasted until last month.

Governor Imam Utomo said the letter discharging the official, a retired Army colonel, was signed on Monday by Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid in Jakarta.

"I just received the copy through my fax machine," he was quoted as saying here on Monday evening.

Purnomo refused to comment.

Imam confirmed that the dismissal was related to the ongoing investigation into the mysterious killings.

The letter also appointed deputy governor Patarai Hasan as acting regent.

The "temporary" discharge could last for one to two months or even one year, Imam said. (aan)