Ethnic clashes deplored<\/p>\n
From Forum Keadilan<\/p>\n
In response to confusing reports in the media concerning riots
\nin Sanggau Ledo, Bengkayang, Samalantan, and Tujuhbelas
\n(Singkawang), West Kalimantan, we would like to comment on behalf
\nof the community in the remote areas of the province.<\/p>\n
We deplore the recent events which could threaten the unity
\nand integrity of the nation. It is not true that the riots were
\nthe result of social jealousy and the social gap. If social
\njealousy and the social gap prompted the riots, we wonder why
\nsuch an action was not directed toward the economically better
\nestablished community.<\/p>\n
In fact, the riots were prompted by different social-cultural
\nbackgrounds in the community. The indigenous people of West
\nKalimantan regard dangerous action and taking others' lives as a
\nvery extraordinary event, and not a personal matter. It is an
\naction that involves a family or a communal group. On the other
\nhand, some groups regard killing as an individual affair and it
\nis considered a common event.<\/p>\n
The indigenous people of West Kalimantan can live harmoniously
\nwith other ethnic communities. The turbulence was a reaction
\nagainst violence by another ethnic group.<\/p>\n
Tradition prohibits the indigenous people of West Kalimantan
\nto carry weapons in public places. Our national law also
\nregulates the same scheme.<\/p>\n
We deeply deplore the statement in Sinar magazine (No.17\/IV
\nJan. 11) made by Hamzah Haz, an Indonesian legislator from West
\nKalimantan. He said: \"On the Sambas border there lives a
\ncommunity with a strongly-marked temperament. They were spoiled
\nby the former Dutch colonialists. The community then became lazy
\nand used to drink liquor. That is their tradition. They need
\neducation about the archipelagic concept.\"<\/p>\n
TOBLAS RANGGIE<\/p>\n
FREDERICK KUYAH<\/p>\n
IRENIUS KADEM<\/p>\n
DISMAS AJU<\/p>\n
M. BASRIN<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ethnic-clashes-deplored-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }