Sunarto installed amid protest

SURABAYA: East Java Governor Imam Utomo officially installed Sunarto Sumoprawiro for his second successive term as the city's mayor on Tuesday amid tension that almost sparked a mass brawl outside the City Hall.

The ceremony was tightly guarded by security officers as Sunarto's supporters, mostly three-wheel pedicab becak drivers, stood face-to-face with protesters, who were mostly students.

The student demonstrators marched to the governor's office and hoisted the national flag at half-mast.

They waved banners bearing statements criticizing Sunarto's failure to alleviate poverty in the city during his first term.

"The arrogant mayor has failed to realize the flood control program and has sold state assets," the protesters said.

A planned becak procession with Sunarto was canceled due to security reasons. (nur/sur)