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)