Governor to meet two warring groups<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that he
\nintends to summon community leaders from Menteng Jaya subdistrict
\nin Central Jakarta and Manggarai subdistrict in South Jakarta to
\ndiscuss the never-ending brawls between residents of the two
\nareas.<\/p>\n
\"I've trusted the respective mayors to settle the matter, but
\nmaybe it is not enough and I should solve the problem myself.
\nI should admit that the problem shows that our public education
\nhas failed.<\/p>\n
\"I will also ask my staff to evaluate the shortcomings in
\nmediation efforts to date,\" he told reporters after meeting film
\nstars and singers to discuss a fund-raising gala to help the
\nneedy which is planned for Oct. 7.<\/p>\n
The brawls have recently taken a fatal twist, claiming the
\nlives of two men this week.<\/p>\n
Andi Billah, 28, a resident of Matraman, was stabbed with a
\nsharp weapon during a clash late on Monday. He was taken to Cipto
\nMangunkusumo General Hospital for treatment, but later died.<\/p>\n
The first fatality was Sutrisno, 40, who was shot with an air
\nrifle after he was caught in a clash on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, residents of both Manggarai and Menteng Jaya
\nsubdistricts who were involved in the three-day clash held a
\nreconciliation on the nearby railway tracks on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The meeting was held on the initiative of Menteng district
\nhead Wahab Ismail and local security officers.<\/p>\n
Most residents admitted that there was no exact reason as to
\nwhy they were involved in the prolonged dispute.<\/p>\n
Wahab urged the residents to help prevent similar clashes from
\noccurring again in the future.<\/p>\n
\"I want all residents to sincerely forget whatever reasons lay
\nbehind the dispute and forgive one another for what has
\nhappened,\" Wahab said.<\/p>\n
Residents were later ordered to shake hands and said prayers
\nfor the two dead men.<\/p>\n
After the meeting, Wahab toured alleys in the two subdistricts
\nalong with local security officers and residents, young and old
\nalike.<\/p>\n
Matraman and Menteng Jaya, both of which are located near to
\nManggarai railway station, are densely populated areas and home
\nto at least 1,200 families.<\/p>\n
Women and children watching the meeting from the safety of
\ntheir houses applauded the scene of reconciliation.<\/p>\n
\"Why has it taken so long to take a walk together like that?\"
\none woman said.<\/p>\n
Syamsudin, a Matraman resident, said there was no real reason
\nbehind the dispute and the sporadic outbreaks of violence.<\/p>\n
A similar incident rocked the slum area late last month,
\nleaving one man injured and seven buildings damaged. (emf\/ind)<\/p>",
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