President Regrets Slow Official Statement on Prison Riot

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyoho has expressed his regret at the slow official statement from both central and regional governments in relation to Tanjung Gusta prison riot in Medan, North Sumatra.

The rioting in the over-capacity correctional institution on Thursday in Medan left five people dead and caused 240 inmates to escape.

"I wait for respond and reaction time from the central and regional government but it comes late. There is no official statement ten hours after riot occurs," President Yudhoyono said when opening a limited meeting at Halim Perdana Kusuma airport here on Saturday to discuss the handling of the riot, and the skyrocketing price of beef.

According to the president, the official statement was necessary because it could avoid an impression that the government was ignorant.

Therefore, soon after arriving from West Nusa Tenggara for a working visit, the head of state immediately gathered a number of related ministers to discuss the matters. (IGT)