Police question former rector over his role in ethnic riots

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)