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)