Susilo tells regent to accept dismissal

Susilo tells regent to accept dismissal

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
ordered East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna Abdul Fatah to ignore
public protests and dismiss Kutai Kartanegara Regent Syaukani
H.R.

"It (the controversy) has become a national issue. The
President takes the matter seriously because it could cause
conflict in the region if left unsettled," said Johar Effendi,
the official provincial spokesperson.

Syaukani should have completed his term on Dec. 9, but he
insisted to staying on until the regental elections. Rumor has it
that Syaukani feared that Awang Darma Bakti, who has already been
appointed as acting regent of Kutai Kartanegara, will investigate
corruption charges involving Syaukani, so Syaukani refused to
step down until the regental election is held in June 2005.

Some 500 supporters of Syaukani rallied in front of the
governor's residence on Saturday after Deputy Governor Yurnalis
Ngayoh announced the regent's dismissal. -- Antara