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.