Security delays exams in Sampang

Security delays exams in Sampang

SAMPANG, East Java: A guarantee of police security was not
enough to convince teachers from three elementary schools to
return to work, further delaying students exams.

Head of the local education and culture office, Mohammad
Bakir, said Monday the teachers were suffering from trauma after
riots broke out here and in Pamekasan on May 29.

Antara reported Bakir and Madura police chief Col. H.S. Adna
Isa supervised the exams, rescheduled to run from Monday to
Wednesday, at Bringin II, Karang Anyar IV and Mambulu Barat II
state-owned schools. All the schools are situated in the
Tambelengan district.

Bakir said the Tambelengan district was the most affected by
the riots. At least 24 houses belonging to teachers were burned
down by arsonists. Robatal, Kedungdung, Jrengik and Banyuates
were other districts considered dangerous.

Supporters of the Moslem-based United Development Party went
on a rampage following alleged vote-rigging and other violations
during the polls.

Many teachers had fled their homes, but graduation exams in
another 486 schools ran well after the Sampang police precinct
deployed 458 police to supervise the tests.

East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman said Monday the provincial
authorities would compensate the teachers' material losses. They
also offered the teachers other working places outside the
regency. (amd)