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