Governor to meet two warring groups

Governor to meet two warring groups

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that he
intends to summon community leaders from Menteng Jaya subdistrict
in Central Jakarta and Manggarai subdistrict in South Jakarta to
discuss the never-ending brawls between residents of the two
areas.

"I've trusted the respective mayors to settle the matter, but
maybe it is not enough and I should solve the problem myself.
I should admit that the problem shows that our public education
has failed.

"I will also ask my staff to evaluate the shortcomings in
mediation efforts to date," he told reporters after meeting film
stars and singers to discuss a fund-raising gala to help the
needy which is planned for Oct. 7.

The brawls have recently taken a fatal twist, claiming the
lives of two men this week.

Andi Billah, 28, a resident of Matraman, was stabbed with a
sharp weapon during a clash late on Monday. He was taken to Cipto
Mangunkusumo General Hospital for treatment, but later died.

The first fatality was Sutrisno, 40, who was shot with an air
rifle after he was caught in a clash on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, residents of both Manggarai and Menteng Jaya
subdistricts who were involved in the three-day clash held a
reconciliation on the nearby railway tracks on Tuesday.

The meeting was held on the initiative of Menteng district
head Wahab Ismail and local security officers.

Most residents admitted that there was no exact reason as to
why they were involved in the prolonged dispute.

Wahab urged the residents to help prevent similar clashes from
occurring again in the future.

"I want all residents to sincerely forget whatever reasons lay
behind the dispute and forgive one another for what has
happened," Wahab said.

Residents were later ordered to shake hands and said prayers
for the two dead men.

After the meeting, Wahab toured alleys in the two subdistricts
along with local security officers and residents, young and old
alike.

Matraman and Menteng Jaya, both of which are located near to
Manggarai railway station, are densely populated areas and home
to at least 1,200 families.

Women and children watching the meeting from the safety of
their houses applauded the scene of reconciliation.

"Why has it taken so long to take a walk together like that?"
one woman said.

Syamsudin, a Matraman resident, said there was no real reason
behind the dispute and the sporadic outbreaks of violence.

A similar incident rocked the slum area late last month,
leaving one man injured and seven buildings damaged. (emf/ind)