Village election stirs unrest

Village election stirs unrest

PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Hundreds of Tanggisan villagers in
Mrebet district went on a rampage on Thursday, vandalizing seven
houses and public buildings in anger over a village chief
election.

At least five hectares of crops of corn, soybean and bananas
were also destroyed.

Purbalingga Police chief Lt. Col. Ipong Supomo confirmed the
tension continued on Friday. Dozens of people are being
questioned.

The violence was a spillover from dissatisfaction over the
Dec. 14 election when Martono defeated two other candidates,
Lukman and Hamdi.

Lukman's supporters held demonstrations at the regency
administration office, accusing Martono of buying votes. Some of
the demonstrations, including the one on Thursday, ended in
vandalism. (45)