Village chief pick sparks rampage

PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Hundreds of residents from Mangunegara village in Purbalingga regency vented their anger over the election of Purnomo as village chief by going on a rampage on Thursday.

At least six houses in the village were damaged. The houses belonged to Purnomo and five of his supporters.

Purbalingga Police chief Lt. Col. Ipong Supomo confirmed that the unrest was caused by dissatisfaction over Purnomo's election.

"A day earlier about three truckloads of villagers visited the regent. They claimed that Purnomo had cheated during the election last week," Ipong said.

The protest was apparently unheeded and villagers resorted to showing their frustration with the attack on Purnomo's house.

Ipong said the situation in the village was under control and that three people were being held for questioning. (45)