Security and order in Poso improving after Malino deal<\/p>\n
Erik W., The Jakarta Post, Palu<\/p>\n
Security has been improving in Poso in Central Sulawesi, four
\nmonths after two warring factions signed a peace deal last
\nDecember in the South Sulawesi hill resort of Malino.<\/p>\n
Traffic has since increased in Poso city, with Muslim and
\nChristian villagers continuing to move freely around shopping
\ncenters and other public places.<\/p>\n
Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto
\nsaid on Monday that peace was returning to Poso.<\/p>\n
However, he said some traffic accidents had been recorded in
\nthe past few months. \"Maybe it is because local residents are so
\njoyful, so they have not been mindful of traffic regulations,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin Ishak
\nearlier said that at least 14 cases of violence had taken place
\nin Poso since the Malino peace accord had been signed.<\/p>\n
The cases had, however, nothing to do with the recent
\nsectarian clashes but were merely criminal, he claimed.<\/p>\n
Ishak said the crimes included the recent bombings of two
\nlocal government buildings in Poso. There were no reports of
\nfatalities in the incidents.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, local Muslim and Christian leaders, authorities and
\ncommunity figures were disseminating information about the
\noutcome of the historic Malino agreement to end two years of
\nfighting.<\/p>\n
Last week, the Communication Forum for Interreligious
\nFollowers (FKUB) was established in the town to strengthen
\nefforts to create lasting peace.<\/p>\n
Branches of the religious organization are being set up in
\nvillages and subdistricts.<\/p>\n
\"Security and peace should emerge from our hearts. Security
\nand government authorities only serve as mediators,\" Poso Deputy
\nRegent Abdul Malik Syahadat told a ceremony to mark the
\nestablishment of a FKUB branch in Poso Pesisir subdistrict last
\nThursday.<\/p>\n
During the event, he handed over Rp 2,350,000 for the forum's
\nestablishment committee to rebuild or renovate destroyed
\nelementary school buildings and to provide electricity.<\/p>\n
On the same occasion, deputy speaker of the Poso legislative
\ncouncil Akram Kamaruddin pleaded with local people to uphold
\ntheir own religious teachings without interfering in the affairs
\nof followers of other religions.<\/p>\n
He also called on the people to learn from the sectarian
\nconflict and to avoid false statements and acts against each
\nother, which could spark new problems among them.<\/p>\n
More than 1,000 people from once-warring factions attended the
\nceremony.<\/p>\n
N. Lanancu, who represented Muslims, said FKUB should be
\naccepted by followers of all religions as a positive move to
\npromote peace in Poso, where more than 2,000 people were killed
\nin two years of fighting since 2000.<\/p>\n
He said he hoped the organization would run smoothly and
\neffectively for all residents.<\/p>\n
Christian representative K.R. Lawento said the forum, set up
\nby the Poso government, should serve as a tool for locals to love
\neach other.<\/p>\n
\"Love must begin from within ourselves and others will
\nfollow,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Col. Zaenal Chairul, chief of the Operation Command for Poso,
\nsaid the FKUB was formed to meet the demands of local Christians
\nand Muslims.<\/p>\n
He said the Indonesian Military (TNI) had facilitated
\nthe setting up of the forum.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-and-order-in-poso-improving-after-malino-deal-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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