Villagers go on rampage

CILACAP, Central Java: Bantarsari villagers in Kawungantan subdistrict here destroyed yesterday their village chief's house and a nearby village hall after failing to meet their leader to protest his alleged corruption.

The incident, which saw no casualties or injuries, broke out after village head Edwin Subadi, 48, refused to meet about 2,000 protesting villagers, claiming he was ill.

Villagers accused Edwin of embezzling Rp 75 million (US$5,769) from the village treasury.

Edwin, with all his family members and other village office employees gathered in his house, escaped the rampage.

Cilacap police chief Lt. Col. Andi Lolo told journalists here the situation was under control and he had ordered dozens of officers to maintain order in the area.

No arrests have been made, he added. (45)