Villagers protest against slur

Villagers protest against slur

PONOROGO, East Java: Punturan residents held a protest
yesterday against the aspersion that their village was Desa
Kumpul Kebo, or "cohabitation village".

Hundreds of people from the village in Pulung subdistrict
staged their demonstration in front of the local council office
here.

They were met by Zaenuri, a deputy speaker of the council
office who listened to them vent their displeasure at the slur.

"Frankly speaking, we are very offended by a group that has
tarnished our village's image. The allegation that there are 10
couples living in sin in our village is completely baseless," a
protester told the legislator.

Antara reported that yesterday's protest was to counter an
earlier demonstration staged last week by "reformists" who wanted
the council office to address a cohabitation problem in the
village.

Living together outside of marriage, or Kumpul Kebo (literally
"living like buffaloes"), is socially unacceptable and considered
adultery.

The initial protest even fingered the Punturan village chief,
Yatno, as one of those with an intimate partner.

After listening to the protest, Zaenuri said he would convey
the protest to the regent. (aan)