Scuffle occurs out at Bogor Regency Council

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.