Police question former rector over his role in ethnic riots

JAKARTA (JP): National Police are still questioning former rector of Palangka Raya University, KMA Usop, for his alleged role in inciting interethnic clashes between local Dayaks and Madurese migrants in Central Kalimantan, which killed more than 400 people.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Didi Widayadi said on Monday that the police would take action against anybody who made statements which created mass unrest and provoked chaos.

"The police do not care who committed the crime ... whether he is an important person or an average person, whoever he is, he or she will have to deal with police questioning," he said.

Didi, however, refused to disclose the content of the questioning. "We are still interrogating the former university rector. Give us time to investigate the case."

Police arrested Usop last Thursday in Palangka Raya, from where he was flown to Banjarmasin, and then to Jakarta to be immediately interrogated by National Police detectives.

Usop's arrest was fiercely protested by Dayak leaders in Central Kalimantan, who took their objections to the provincial legislative council in Palangka Raya, where they were received by council deputy speaker Rinco Norkim.

Dayak leaders called on the council, Central Kalimantan Governor Asmawi Agani and police chief Brig. Gen. Lodewyk to work toward Usop's release.

Yehu Asin, one Dayak leaders who went to the council on Monday, warned that the arrest of Usop would affect security in the province, and therefore, they wanted the police to release Usop.

"This agreement (among Dayak leaders to demand Usop's release) is to maintain security in Central Kalimantan, especially in Palangka Raya, and to prevent a spontaneous response (from Dayaks).

"Therefore, the local administration and also the central government are expected to act wisely in considering this matter (the demand to release Usop)," Yehu said.

Rinco said that the council leaders would meet on Tuesday to discuss the demand. And Yehu said representatives of Dayak leaders would return to the council building on Tuesday to press the council to pay attention to their demand. (ylt)