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)