Govt to launch operation to mend security in Poso

Govt to launch operation to mend security in Poso

Badri Jawara, The Jakarta Post, Poso

The government will launch a Security Restoration Operation on
Monday in an effort to stop the latest outbreak of sectarian
violence that has claimed hundreds of lives in the town of Poso,
Central Sulawesi, the Coordinating Minister for Political and
Security Affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said here on
Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Central
Sulawesi provincial authorities, local figures and
representatives of the warring groups at the gubernatorial
office, Susilo said that the operation would start with the
disarmament of all members (civilians) of the two warring camps.

"For this purpose, a total of four battalions of the military
(from the Wirabuana Military Command) and police will be fielded
to perform the operation, which will be controlled by Central
Sulawesi Police Headquarters," Susilo said, adding that one
battalion of police would be standing by as reinforcements in
case of emergency.

Responding to questions about whether a state of emergency
would be imposed in Poso, Susilo said that the government had to
be very careful in weighing up such a move. "We are not going to
make any half-baked decisions."

The retired four-star general said that the operation must be
properly carried out in an equitable and realistic manner. "The
Central Sulawesi Police are responsible for the operation."

"Security restoration, stopping the current conflict and
preventing any new conflicts are the first three steps in our
coordinated agenda. The next step will be the enforcement of the
law, and last will come physical rehabilitation, social and
economic reconstruction and -- finally -- reconciliation," Susilo
said.

"The Security Restoration Operation will initially last for
six months. Then we will review it," he said without providing
details.

Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin said
that he was awaiting President Megawati Soekarnoputri's order to
start the operation. "The minister (Susilo) will meet the
President this afternoon. Whatever the government's decision is
we are ready to execute it for the sake of security in Poso."

Susilo and Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno arrived in
the conflict-torn town of Poso on Wednesday to discuss with local
authorities the best way to settle the conflict between
Christians and Muslims, which has been on and off the boil for
the last three years.

Susilo and his entourage left for Wirabuana Military
Headquarters in Makassar before flying to Jakarta on Thursday
afternoon.

The Poso conflict, which has claimed hundreds of lives on both
the Christian and Muslim sides, was sparked by competition
involving a the election of a local regent.

Hundreds of buildings, including homes and facilities, have
been destroyed during the festering conflict.

One of the efforts made by the government to curb the violence
has been to bring those instigating clashes before the courts.

The local district court handed down death sentences on
Febianus Tibo, 55, Marinus Riwu, 43, and Dominggus da Silva, 37,
who were found guilty of instigating riots and promoting
genocide.

The Supreme Court turned down their appeals for clemency on
Oct. 19, 2001, meaning that the three are now awaiting execution.

Despite the harsh sentences for those found guilty of
provoking riots and murder, the conflict continues and more
victims are falling almost by the day.

Over the last two weeks alone, scores of people have been
killed and hundreds of buildings, including mosques, churches and
houses, have been destroyed in an orgy of violence.