Christians commemorate tragic Tentena bombing

Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Tentena

The atmosphere was somber at a ceremony to mark the 100th day since the Tentena bombing, in which 21 people were killed. Rev. Ishak Cole from the Central Sulawesi Christian Church opened his address by calling on the 500 people in attendance to be patient and resolute. As the sound of crying filled the air the voice of the reverend was barely audible.

"We should not be drawn down by the tragedy. We have to move forward and pray for our loved ones who perished in the bombing," said Ishak.

The morning ceremony was held near the Tentena market, which was hit by the bombing on May 28. Several high-ranking officials were present at the event including Poso Regent Piet Inkiriwang.

After the function, calls mounted for the police to step up measures to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack. In spite of a months-long investigation, no arrests have been made.

"We only trust the police," said Jemmy Metusala, the secretary of the church's Crisis Center.

Thirty civilians were also injured in the bombing. Although a church is located near the site of the attack, local leaders have said that it was not directed at Christians.

"Muslims and Christians have been enjoying warm relations in the past months. I believe the bombing had something to with the regental election," said Rev. Irianto Kongkoli, the general secretary of the church.

The bombing happened in the lead up to the election, which took place on June 30. Piet Inkiriwang was elected as Poso regent.

Tentena, which is part of Poso regency, was among hot spots in the religious conflicts that broke out in Poso in 2000. Some 2,000 Muslims and Christians died in the sectarian conflicts, which largely died down in 2002.