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)