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.