Analyst suspects military played role in Poso

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Apprehensive about previous unrest that rocked other parts of the country, a sociologist from the University of Indonesia said on Tuesday he suspected the military was playing a role in the ongoing sectarian conflict in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso.

Led by sociologist Laode Ida, research recently conducted by the Center for Regional Development Studies in the renowned tourist destination verified the pattern.

"Based on our research, we found the military is directly or indirectly involved in the Poso unrest," Laode told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of a seminar at Hasanuddin University here.

He said the study found similarities between the conflict in Poso and unrest taking place in Maluku and the West Kalimantan town of Sambas.

At least 47 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured since the violence initially broke out in Poso on May 23.

He said the military's involvement could be observed from its foot-dragging attempts to put an end to the riots.

"Just think of the size of Poso, but why can't the military personnel quell the rioting. Their intelligence unit must not be doing its job effectively.

"Intelligence officers do not do what they are supposed to do, but turn out to add fuel to the flame," he said.

Laode alleged that military intelligence officers also tried to gain economic and political advantage from the chaotic situation.

"They protect people in exchange for money," he charged.

Laode also accused a nationalist-secular group of fishing in troubled waters. But he failed to go into detail as to how the group fanned hostility in Poso or which warring camp it was linked to.

The sociologist identified the third group as supporters of former president Soeharto, whom he said were striving to help him evade a trial for alleged graft during his 32 years in power.

Meanwhile, violence continued in Poso as authorities dispatched troops to beef up security, police said.

"Maleilagi village, on the main route out to Ampana in the east, was attacked in the early hours of Tuesday and set on fire by hundreds of people," said the officer, adding that 10 people were arrested after the violence.

Wirabuana Military Commander overseeing Sulawesi Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro said that rioters had closed access routes to Poso.

"We deployed no less than 1,500 troops to prevent further rioting. Only 8 percent or some 3,200 residents remain in Poso, while others have sought refuge," Slamet said on Tuesday.

Ambon

In Ambon, the capital of strife-torn Maluku, renewed clashes erupted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday between rioters and security personnel in predominantly Christian areas on Jl. A.Y. Patti, Jl. Sedap Malam, Pos Kota and Trikora districts.

A staffer at Maluku administration, Silvianus Saija, 24, was killed in the violence reportedly from bullets fired by a sniper. He died while receiving medical treatment at Bakti Rahayu private hospital after being shot in the chest.

Six others were wounded in the clash, in which rioters armed themselves with guns and homemade bombs.

The violence died down only at 7 p.m.

Local military commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela said afterward that the outbreak was triggered by a morning incident in which a staffer of the Ministry of Public Works, identified as Djafar Patty, was assaulted by a group of gunmen near his office.

Violence has reerupted on the islands in the past month following weeks of peace. At least 3,000 people have died since the initial clash broke out in January last year. (27/49/edt)