Luwu riots leave police bewildered
MALANGKE, Central Sulawesi (JP): Police said on Saturday they found it difficult to arrest perpetrators of unrest in Luwu, while the burning of residents houses in two districts continued.
Luwu Regency Police chief Supt. Anjaya told The Jakarta Post here that the rioters launched a guerrilla-like attack on eight villages in Malangke and Baebuntah districts.
Malangke is 450 kilometers north of the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar.
"The attackers were armed with homemade weapons, including pistols and cannons. They attacked from various directions and move like well-trained troops," Anjaya said, confirming that at least 210 houses had been burned down.
He said he was sure the attackers, who were garbed in black, were residents of the neighboring villages of Tenda Biru and Layar Putih.
The terrain of the area, which has rivers and swampy land, made it difficult for police officers to chase the rioters, he added.
Unconfirmed reports said the villagers wanted to take revenge for relatives who were killed by the residents of the two districts during earlier unrest.
Almost 100 security personnel, consisting mostly of police troops and Army members from the Sawunggaling Military District Command, have been deployed to stop the attacks, Manggabarani said.
He said the officers would shoot on sight anyone found instigating riots.
15 years ago
Locals say sectarian clashes in Luwu regency first erupted in 1985.
Since then subsequent clashes have taken place almost every year, until January this year when then Wirabuana Military commander Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusuma took appropriate and impartial steps to deal with the violence.
During prolonged violence from January 1998 to January 2000, at least 28 people were killed and 350 houses and public facilities destroyed by fire.
Agus had all residents in Luwu disarmed before holding discussions with the opposing groups. Those found guilty of participating in clashes were arrested and brought to court. The violence eventually stopped.
However, fresh violence erupted on Aug. 18, months after Agus was transferred away from Sulawesi.
A fight between groups of teenagers at a wedding reception led to fierce brawls among villagers. No fatalities have been reported.
Local authorities apparently tried to tone down reports of the conflicts between Muslims and Christians in Luwu.
South Sulawesi Police deputy chief Sr. Supt. Jusuf Manggabarani said three days ago that everything was under control and that the violence was not linked to religion.
On Friday and Saturday, the Post observed hundreds of houses in Caning village in Malangke district were still burning.
Riots have also affected neighboring villages, forcing thousands of people to seek refuge in the town of Amasangeng, the capital of West Malangke district. (27/sur)