Madurese and Dayak sign peace deal

Madurese and Dayak sign peace deal

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): In order to prevent the
spread of ethnic clashes between local Dayaks and Madurese
migrants, a Dayak and a Madurese representing their respective
communities inked a peace deal here on Wednesday.

The Madurese migrants were represented by H. Narawi, the
leader of the Madurese community here, while Perain Mora
represented the Dayaks.

The two wept and embraced each other after signing the deal.

Both Madurese and Dayaks in Banjarmasin agreed that they would
strive to maintain harmony among ethnic groups in the province of
South Kalimantan. They also promised to unite and wage war on all
forms of provocation.

"This deal clearly shows that the residents of South
Kalimantan are peace-loving people," said South Kalimantan
Governor Sjachriel Darham.

Meanwhile, Kapuas Police shot and wounded a Dayak man who was
involved in burning vacant houses belonging to Madurese migrants
in the Anjir Batu district, some 14 kilometers away from the town
of Kapuas.

Kapuas Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Syaiful Maltha confirmed
the shooting on Thursday, saying that Zailani was shot in the
back as he and some other local people were setting alight the
houses of Madurese migrants at around midnight on Tuesday.

"He was shot while carrying a jerrycan full of gasoline. He is
being treated at a hospital in Banjarmasin," Syaiful told The
Jakarta Post.

Despite the shooting, the situation in Kapuas remained fully
under control. No one tried to attack the police station after
the shooting, he said.

Syaiful added that his subordinates had found four corpses --
all decapitated -- in outlying areas of Kapuas regency on
Wednesday. The bodies were believed to belong to the victims of a
manhunt conducted by Dayaks on Tuesday. (32/sur)