Gus Dur and Mega asked to settle Maluku problems

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)