Gus Dur and Mega asked to settle Maluku problems

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri are expected to promptly settle the lingering problems in Maluku, a group of the province's natives said on Friday.

Several Maluku representatives said in Jakarta they believed the new President and Vice President could deal with the enigmatic problems.

"President Abdurrahman and Vice President Megawati are both accepted by the people of Maluku," Abdul Hamid Rahayan, the chairman of the Maluku chapter of the People's Awakening Party (PKB) told Antara.

Rahayan, who was invited to Jakarta to attend the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, said the people of Maluku were longing for peace.

"We want the clashes to be halted with fair treatment for the warring groups," he said.

Communal clashes have been consuming the province of Maluku since January this year, claiming a large number of lives.

"Religious leaders' appeals to stop the conflict have been ignored. Thus respected figures like President Abdurrahman and Megawati are needed," Rahayan said.

He said law enforcement had totally failed in Ambon. "We believe that the crisis could be overcome if the government is serious," he added.

Soon after Megawati took her oath on Thursday, Ambon Bishop B.C. Mandagi said the two figures were God's blessing for the Christian community in Maluku.

"We warmly congratulate the new President and Vice President," Bishop Mandagi told The Jakarta Post.

Meanwhile, Provincial Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela confirmed on Friday that 10 people were killed in the latest clashes in Saparua on Wednesday and Thursday.

Saparua General Hospital indicated that 10 people were killed and 21 others were injured in the clashes.

Eight of the dead bodies were identified as Beny Toumahuw, 25, Buce Siwabessy 37, Fredy Sapulete, 42, Pai Parinusa, 52, Thos Selano, 30, Zeth Lumalesil, 68, Olsen Sasabone, 23, and Simon Tehuperissa, 42.

The hospital director, Yohanes Paranuan, said, however, that only three of the victims were sent to hospital, while the other five were directly buried by relatives. (48/sur)