Gus Dur calls for peace in Maluku

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)