Village heads quit session

Village heads quit session

INDRAMAYU, West Java: A walk-out by village heads was the
highlight of a plenary session of the local legislative council
held in connection with the regency's 473rd anniversary on
Saturday.

The 310 village heads rose from their seats almost
simultaneously and abandoned the city hall, the venue of the
event, just as the council's speaker Iwan Hermawan was about to
open the special session.

Minutes earlier, the village leaders booed Iwan, deputy regent
Suing Sasmita and other top officials as they entered the hall,
Antara reported.

Iwan, along with other attendants of the session, stared in
disbelief as the village leaders exited the hall.

One of the village heads, Trisula Rapdi, said the move was
triggered by the councilors' failure to accept the accountability
speech of Regent Ope Mustofa recently.

"The council's refusal means our service as the avant-guard of
the development program deserves nothing," Trisula said.

Suing, representing Iwan who is now on a long service leave,
regretted the move. (amd)