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)