Ethnic clashes deplored

Ethnic clashes deplored

From Forum Keadilan

In response to confusing reports in the media concerning riots
in Sanggau Ledo, Bengkayang, Samalantan, and Tujuhbelas
(Singkawang), West Kalimantan, we would like to comment on behalf
of the community in the remote areas of the province.

We deplore the recent events which could threaten the unity
and integrity of the nation. It is not true that the riots were
the result of social jealousy and the social gap. If social
jealousy and the social gap prompted the riots, we wonder why
such an action was not directed toward the economically better
established community.

In fact, the riots were prompted by different social-cultural
backgrounds in the community. The indigenous people of West
Kalimantan regard dangerous action and taking others' lives as a
very extraordinary event, and not a personal matter. It is an
action that involves a family or a communal group. On the other
hand, some groups regard killing as an individual affair and it
is considered a common event.

The indigenous people of West Kalimantan can live harmoniously
with other ethnic communities. The turbulence was a reaction
against violence by another ethnic group.

Tradition prohibits the indigenous people of West Kalimantan
to carry weapons in public places. Our national law also
regulates the same scheme.

We deeply deplore the statement in Sinar magazine (No.17/IV
Jan. 11) made by Hamzah Haz, an Indonesian legislator from West
Kalimantan. He said: "On the Sambas border there lives a
community with a strongly-marked temperament. They were spoiled
by the former Dutch colonialists. The community then became lazy
and used to drink liquor. That is their tradition. They need
education about the archipelagic concept."

TOBLAS RANGGIE

FREDERICK KUYAH

IRENIUS KADEM

DISMAS AJU

M. BASRIN