Sampang returns to normal

SAMPANG, East Java: Various activities in Sampang, Madura Island, slowly began to resume on Friday after most activities were suspended for the past week due to heightened tension in a dispute over the election of the local regent.

Antara reported on Friday that many employees of government offices had begun to return to work, and schools were commencing activities although most students went home early.

Sampang Regent Secretary Erdit Hernandi said the local administration couldn't function properly as groups supporting regent elect Fadhilah Budiono stormed the local administration's offices demanding that he be installed to his post.

Since they occupied our offices, the administration here couldn't work as employees were obviously afraid," Erdit said.

The dispute which has dragged on since September centers around the election of Fadhilah by the local council as regent by a slim margin beating a candidate from the National Awakening Party.

However Fadhila's opponents dispute the victory as two councillors who had resigned from the council continued to cast their ballot.

The dispute almost came to a boil this week as supporters from both sides threatened to turn the dispute into a physical clash.

The situation has calmed following the persuasive approach by security forces to convince Fadhila's supporters to vacate the offices they occupied.(mds)