Sutiyoso meets Quinones and cancels interview

JAKARTA (JP): City Governor Sutiyoso canceled an interview with Antara chief Muhammad Sobari on Thursday after receiving a courtesy call from Miss Universe Denise Quinones August of Puerto Rico.

"I don't know if I have a schedule for the interview with Pak Sobari," Sutiyoso replied when he asked about the appointment by the news agency's reporter Dewanti.

Sutiyoso's schedule for Thursday, which was released on Wednesday, included the interview, but the plan was suddenly changed without Antara being notified.

Thursday's media schedule no longer listed the interview.

Quinones, newly crowned Miss Indonesia Angelina Sondakh and dozens of finalists of the local beauty contest arrived at City Hall at about 11 a.m..

The group of beautiful women, together with the governor, then performed the Poco-poco traditional dance originating from North Sulawesi, Angelina's home province.

Sutiyoso also sang two songs, during which the ladies and several city officials danced. Quinones was seen dancing with a number of officials, including the city's Development Agency chief Bambang Soengkono.

"Write 'Bambang dances with Miss Universe before he is dismissed'," Bambang ordered reporters.

Bambang has been forced to enter early retirement because of his alleged involvement in a controversial foreign trip scandal. (jun)