Legislator says ending enmity key to peace

Legislator says ending enmity key to peace

JAKARTA (JP): Observers are continuing to offer insights and
solutions to the unrest in West Kalimantan, with one legislator
predicting that tension will persist as long as ethnic enmity
remains.

Taheri Noor, a member of the House of Representatives from
West Kalimantan, expressed doubt that any traditional settlement,
such as the peace pact reached and violated recently, would last
long.

"The unrest was caused by a chronic conflict dating back
decades. Another clash will erupt sometime in the future if we
fail to find the root of the problem," Taheri of the Armed Forces
faction said.

Riots and clashes between Dayak natives and Madurese migrants
swept the province following a personal dispute over a woman in
late December. Security authorities claim to have restored order
and with the lifting of curfew yesterday the situation has
reportedly returned to normal.

Taheri said the tension stemmed from the abuse of the
socioeconomic rights of the natives, who are in the minority, by
the migrants. He said similar abuse had sparked riots in Irian
Jaya and East Timor.

"While indigenous people utilize natural resources only
moderately, migrants exploit them for the maximum benefit, but at
the expense of the natives," said Taheri, a native of Pontianak.

To make matters worse, Dayak natives are kept out of the local
administration, according to him. "Although many natives have
enjoyed higher education, none of them hold key administrative
posts."

The province witnessed an economic growth rate of 10.9 percent
last year, far better than the national figure of 7.2. However,
its income per capita is 22nd out of the 27 provinces.

"The figures show an obvious social disparity, with native
people placed at the bottom. The natives have been neglected in
development programs," Taheri said.

Sociologist Arief Budiman observed the failure of development
programs to empower poor people as one of the causes of the riots
that rocked the country recently.

"The poor, who have long been suffering from oppression, find
riots the only outlet for their anger," Arief said yesterday.

"Development has progressed without their participation, while
at the same time the government fails to give them legal
protection.

Arief suggested the government scrap economic policies which
benefit major businesspeople and turn to an economic system that
protects small entrepreneurs.

A member of National Commission on Human Rights, Muladi, said
the ethnic and sectarian riots marked a revival of primordialism
which places subnational loyalty higher than national allegiance.

Syarif Ibrahim Alqadrie, a sociology professor at the
Pontianak-based Tanjungpura University, said yesterday local
ethnic leaders and officials would draw up a reconciliation
proposal.

It will include both an in-depth analysis of what caused the
ethnic tension and recommendations for a permanent settlement.
Syarif said that this team would publish the proposal in early
March and submit it to West Kalimantan Governor Aswin Aspar.

Syarif, also chairman of the non-governmental organization
Sanggar Ilmiah, said the proposal would call on the ethnic groups
to ignore provocation, prevent the spread of enmity, increase
solidarity and support the government's cultural, economic and
social programs.

The recommendations for peace would be drafted by various
ethnic groups.

A ceremony to mark the reconciliation between the two
conflicting groups is to take place today and will be attended by
the governor.

Aspar said a traditional ritual will be conducted by two
community leaders representing the Dayaks and the Madurese.
Kapuas Hulu regent Yacobus Layang will represent the Dayaks while
the Madurese representative has yet to be announced.

National Commission on Human Rights members have been invited
to witness the ceremony. (01/amd/har)