Villagers protest test decision

BOGOR (JP): As many as 200 residents of Waru Induk village in Parung district here staged a demonstration at the local council yesterday after their favorite candidate for village head failed a selection test.

The head of administrative affairs for Bogor regency, Adjat Sudradjat, said the protesters' candidate, Jajang alias Enjang, 45, scored a 48 on the test -- seven points lower than the required score of 55.

The villagers, however, did not accept Adjat's explanation.

"I don't understand how a sympathetic man like him (Enjang) could fail in the test. He's very friendly and amiable," Wijoyo, one of Enjang's supporters, said.

"If a resident is sick, he would help take him or her to the hospital. If not, he would give some money to the sick person's family for transportation."

Enjang is a security officer at Parung market and the captain of the village soccer team.

According to Mahpudin, another resident, three candidates were vying for the position -- Suheri, the former village head, Enjang and Chaerudin.

Only Enjang failed the test.

"Seventy-five percent of the 5,800 residents who have the right to vote will support him for the post.

"Thus, we want to meet the regent and ask him to review the decision," Mahpudin said.

Sutisna, another resident, accused the test officials of collusion with the other two candidates.

Enjang, he said, was nominated for village head eight years ago after passing a similar test. At that time, however, he failed to garner enough votes in the election.

"The requirements for village head are the same from time to time. There must be foul play here," he said.

According to Adjat, Enjang was among 60 candidates who failed the selection test. (24/ivy)