Analyst suspects military played role in Poso
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)