Hendropriyono criticized for his comments

Hendropriyono criticized for his comments

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono, head of the State Intelligence Body
(BIN), is reaping scathing criticism for his allegations that
international terrorist groups were exacerbating the Christian-
Muslim conflicts in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Andi Mappetahang Fatwa
asked Hendropriyono to withdraw his statements on Friday because
they discredited a specific religion.

"Hendropriyono must have the courage to withdraw his statement
because it could have wide-ranging implications," Fatwa said.

Hendropriyono told the press on Wednesday after meeting the
President that the strife-torn Poso had been used as a base and
training site by international terrorist groups.

He added the continuing violence and destruction in Poso had
been exacerbated by the activities of the international terrorist
groups and their local counterparts.

Hendropriyono also supported speculations that Osama bin
Laden's al-Qaeda network was among the terrorist groups, saying:
"Yes, that is what it means ... it is among the groups that I am
referring to."

Fatwa said the premature remarks from Hendropriyono could
hamper the peace process currently being initiated by the
government in Poso. "It is too early to announce such things to
the public," he said.

A leader of the Consultative Community of Indonesian
Christians (CCIC) Rev. Kris Marantika said he had no idea about
possible interference of outsiders in the conflicts.

He suggested that the government takes stern action to disarm
the conflicting groups.

In the meantime, the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) separatist
group also denied speculations that it has been involved in the
religious conflicts in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

Chief of Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) Semy Wailerung told
The Jakarta Post that there would be no purpose in the separatist
group moving to Poso.

Wailerung said both the local and international communities
have understood that the religious conflict in Poso was caused by
a conspiracy of elite groups within the military with a political
agenda.

"The statement of the head of BIN is only designed to obscure
the military's involvement in the conflicts," he said.

Wailerung, therefore, urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri
to be cautious toward Hendropriyono and ask him to clarify his
statements.

Wailerung recalled that Hendropriyono, when serving as
transmigration minister under the administration of former
president B.J. Habibie had accused RMS of inciting riots in
Ambon, Maluku.

Hendropriyono, however, was unable to prove it.