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)