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