Police meet ulemas

Police meet ulemas

JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata said
yesterday ulemas are needed to calm possible conflicts relating
to SARA (tribal affiliations, religion, race and societal groups)
issues that might disrupt unity.

"Like the police, ulemas play a role in maintaining the
community's security," Hamami said at a breaking of fast
gathering with at least 500 Greater Jakarta ulemas.

"We will set a forum to enhance communication between the
police and ulemas," he said.

"The police have a speed reaction unit. Ulemas probably need
to build speed reaction ulemas," Hamami said.

The two-star general said better communications between the
police and ulemas was needed to deal with any misunderstandings
between them. He referred to the recent riot in Tasikmalaya, West
Java, as a case in point.

According to Hamami, the December riot would not have happened
if there had been good communications between the security
forces, ulemas, and the people.

At least, three people were killed in the riot prompted by the
alleged torture by police officers of a teacher and three
students from an Islamic boarding school. (jun)