Subdistricts demand split from East Lampung

Subdistricts demand split from East Lampung

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Thousands of people from the subdistricts
of Pekalongan, Batanghari, and Metrokibang have stepped up
pressure on the Lampung administration to allow their regions to
split from the East Lampung regency to join the neighboring Metro
City regency.

At least 11 representatives of the demonstrators were received
by East Lampung Regent Iwan Nuranda Djafar, deputy local council
speaker Ali Aman Said and other senior legislators during the
protest on Tuesday.

They urged the East Lampung administration to support their
demand for the three subdistricts, known as the main sources of
revenue for East Lampung, to join Metro City.

Sumpono, leader of the protesters, argued that historical,
socio-economic mobility and geographical factors were among the
main reasons for the subdistricts to separate from East Lampung.

"So, there is no reason for us to be prohibited from joining
Metro City," he added.

In a response to the demand, Iwan said he was not authorized
to annul Law No. 12/1999 on the establishment of East Lampung,
Way Kanan and Metro City as regencies in Lampung.

He said he had agreed with Lampung Governor Oemarsono to
support "strategic plans" to develop Metro City without expanding
the regency. --JP