Scuffle occurs out at Bogor Regency Council

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

Hundreds of members of the Bogor People and Student Alliance clashed with police while protesting the nomination of Bogor Regent Agus Utara Effendi for a second term.

Dozens of people suffered minor injuries during the clash on Monday in front of the Bogor Regency Council building.

After gathering in front of the building, the protesters demanded that councillors meet with them. When the police allowed just five of the protesters inside, the crowd outside began to grapple with the police, who responded with force.

The police chased the protesters down Jl. Tegar Beriman and to the Baiturrahman Mosque. They detained protester coordinator Dede C. Sasmita for questioning over allegations he provoked the crowd.

Councillor Rahmat Yasin called on the police and protesters to show restraint.

"Please, everybody leave. I don't want to see any hitting and kicking in the council's building," he said.

Alliance spokesman Yuyud Wahyudin said they opposed the reelection of Agus, who is supported by the Golkar Party, because of his failure to introduce programs to help the poor.

Yuyud also warned the public to be alert for money politics in the regent election, scheduled to be held on Sept. 17.

In the election, Agus' main challengers will be Endang Kosasih, nominated by the United Development Party (PPP), and Albert Pribadi, who is supported by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

Cibinong Police chief Adj. Comr. Oginato defended the actions of his officers on Monday, saying they were protecting themselves from the mob.