Gus Dur calls for peace in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri issued a joint appeal to the people of Maluku on Sunday to stop the bloody sectarian clashes which erupted almost a year ago.

They said the conflict between Muslims and Christians would not leave any parties the winner.

Speaking in front of about 300 representatives of various groups at Governor Saleh Latuconsina's office, the President insisted it was up to local people to end the protracted conflict.

"It is not good if you expect everything from the central government, it is only the Maluku people who are able to solve this problem. We, the central government, can manage only to support and encourage you," said Abdurrahman, who is popularly known as Gus Dur.

"If we still kill each other, what we will see in the future is the total destruction of the entire society and islands in Maluku," the Vice President added.

The two leaders arrived in Ambon on Sunday afternoon amid tight security. They traveled to the meeting hall in their official bulletproof limousines which were transported by a Navy warship.

The meeting itself was delayed for 45 minutes from the originally scheduled 1:15 p.m. local time.

Marines and snipers from the Presidential Security Guard (Paspampres) guarded the building as guns and other weapons are rife among the local population.

The leaders were accompanied by 12 ministers, including Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto and Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja. Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Admiral Widodo A.S. was also present.

The President expressed sadness at the loss of a sense of humanity among people in the province. He said he was moved at the sight of children cheerfully greeting him as he drove through the city.

"They just don't understand with what is going on, without any knowledge of it, yet they voice the future (of the nation)."

No rebels

The President dismissed allegations that the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement provoked the conflict in the province, saying its leaders were also concerned about the unrest and eager to help effect a resolution.

Abdurrahman made a light aside despite the grave situation.

"Where is your joget (dance)?" he said as he burst into laughter.

Megawati said people should not be enslaved by selfishness and the desire to kill others. She called on the warring groups to sit together and discuss their differences.

She promised to accompany the people during the difficult times and urged them to abandon their weapons.

"Think deeply about what we have achieved until now, apart from the loss of properties, blood and lives. I want you to stop all of this (violence)," said the Vice President.

Abdurrahman Wahid, who described Megawati as his younger sister, also used the opportunity to counter criticism which blamed Megawati for being slow in settling crises in Maluku, Irian Jaya and Riau. The President has assigned her to end strife in the three provinces, while he himself will handle Aceh.

"She keeps quiet because she continues seeking ideas from all parties," said the President.

The two-hour meeting was often disrupted by sound system problems. Soon after the two leaders ended their remarks, the master of ceremonies asked two Muslim and Christians leaders to lead the prayer, although the President had announced that he wanted the audience to convey their aspirations.

"Our visit here is to listen and not just to preach," Abdurrahman said.

Paso subdistrict chief Frederik told both Abdurrahman and Megawati their visit would be useless if it was not followed up by concrete measures.

"We trust Bapak and Ibu to settle our problem. People at the grass roots have suffered very much. Please no more, we are exhausted."

Pattimura University student Abdul Muin Matdoan proposed the division of the state university for Christian and Muslims students. He complained that it was unsafe for Muslim students to go to campus.

"It is not simple to remove the campus," the President replied.

Hundreds of Megawati's supporters waited in front of the governor's office and shouted her name: "Mega, Mega". The President and the Vice President shook hands with the people, with Megawati's car forced to move slowly as the people surrounded it.

"Ibu Mega, please help us, do not just leave us," a tearful old man said as he knocked on her car.

Abdurrahman returned to Jakarta after the meeting, while Megawati will leave here for Biak in Irian Jaya on Monday and visit Bitung in North Sulawesi on Tuesday. (48/prb)