Fri, 02:33 13 Mar 2009 GMT17

 

Indonesia protest sparks election security fears
06 Feb 2009 12:45:22 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Olivia Rondonuwu and Sunanda Creagh

JAKARTA, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Indonesia's head of police said on Friday he would reshuffle two top police officials for failing to keep law and order after fighting broke out at a local parliament, prompting concerns over security ahead of the 2009 elections.

The protest at the parliament in Medan, North Sumatra has shocked many Indonesians while calling into question the ability of the police to maintain public order.

With parliamentary elections due on April 9 and presidential elections on July 8, the head of the national police said security would be stepped up to ensure peaceful voting.

Indonesian police chief Bambang Hendarso Danuri said he would reshuffle the heads of North Sumatra province and Medan police following the case.

"This is a lesson for us, as my order to all Indonesian police is that police have to be assertive in the 2009 elections and not tolerate such action," Danuri said.

Abdul Aziz Angkat, council speaker for North Sumatra province, died from a heart attack on Tuesday after he was beaten up by protesters calling for the establishment of a new district.

The incident was shown on Indonesia's Metro TV and follows a long-running and heated debate.

"The death of Abdul Aziz Angkat shows the inability of the Indonesian police to guarantee protection, the right of every citizen," the Institute for Democracy and Peace said in a statement.

In the wake of Angkat's death, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for a halt in the creation of new districts. (Editing by Sugita Katyal)
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Villagers pan for gold in a traditional gold mining area in Bombana district of the Indonesia's Southeast Sulawesi province March 12,2009. About 60,000 people set up temporary settlements to pan for ...



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