Masterminds of ethnic riot sought, Sampit still tense
Masterminds of ethnic riot sought, Sampit still tense
JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for two local officials
believed to be the mastermind of Sunday's ethnic riot in the
Central Kalimantan town of Sampit.
National Police Chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said on Monday
that the two officials are suspected of paying six men a total of
Rp 20 million (US$2,083) to provoke the riot which claimed at
least eight lives.
Their identities were not revealed though one is believed to
be the former head of the forestry office in East Kotawaringin
regency.
"The two officials, who lost their positions due to the
regional autonomy program, were hoping that they would be needed
again (as a result of the riot) and so would get their old jobs
back," Bimantoro told reporters.
He said the identity of the two were obtained after
questioning the six men, arrested on Sunday for triggering the
riots.
Surojo identified the six provocateurs as Timal, Polo, Inel,
Dengkeng, Okok, and Siner.
Bimantoro further claimed that the situation in Sampit was now
under control and life was beginning to return to normal.
The riot erupted just after midnight on Sunday when a mob
attacked the migrant residential area of Pelalangan.
The violence escalated throughout Sunday with a series of
retaliatory attacks.
The latest ethnic violence is believed to have been an attempt
to pit migrant Maduranese settlers and the local Dayak ethnics in
Sampit, located about 214-kilometers west of Palangka Raya.
Ethnic tension has simmered in Kalimantan for several years.
An ethnic riot in Sambas regency, West Kalimantan, left
hundreds dead in 1997.
During last December intercommunity conflict erupted about 100
kilometers from Sampit leaving one dead.
Antara reported that the situation in Sampit on Monday was
still tense, with government offices and shops closed.
To anticipate further riots, East Kotawaringin regent Wahyudi
K. Anwar had ordered government offices and schools to suspend
their activities.
The number of people fleeing to Palangka Raya increased to at
least 500, most are believed to be migrant settlers.
Most are also said to be civil servants in local government
offices.
The number of dead is still unclear although police claim
eight people were killed. Sources said the death toll had reached
between 11 people and 16 people by Monday.
Police also said nine houses were burned while seven others
were damaged by mobs.
At least 62 sharp weapons were seized from the mob.
Calls to calm the situation in Sampit were voiced by several
public figures.
Dayak community figure M. Usop and Madurese A. Nashir Sayuti,
who is also a local councillor, suggested the urgent need for
leaders of both ethnic groups to meet.
"We don't want it (the violence) to happen again. I think both
parties don't want that," Usop said.
Meanwhile hundreds of students from various universities in
Central Kalimantan, calling themselves the Palangka Raya Student
Forum, staged a rally calling for solidarity and peace.
Handing out brochures to motorists, the students expressed
concern over the bloody riots.
"Why have Central Kalimantan's people lost their compassion
for love and respect towards each other," a students' statement
said. (jun)