Poso back to normal after signing of peace accord

Poso back to normal after signing of peace accord

POSO, Central Sulawesi (JP): The town of Poso returned to
normal on Monday following the signing of a peace accord by
Sulawesi governors the day before and the deployment of Cinta
Damai (Love of Peace) special troops from the Wirabuana Regional
Military Command since June.

Vendors and shop owners looked busy serving customers, while
government employees were back in their offices. The traffic flow
on most of the roads was also back to normal after being blocked
for months.

The peace campaign launched by the 1,000 Cinta Damai troops
has likely succeeded in calming down the warring groups, and
reducing tension in the town.

Some people were seen sitting on their verandas taking the
fresh air in the evening. This has become a rare scene since
mayhem erupted in the area last year.

"In general the situation is not yet 100 percent normal. But,
we can feel the pulse now. There are positive signs," Lt.
Agussalim, spokesman for the Cinta Damai troops, told The Jakarta
Post on Monday.

He said the troops had helped the police to search for weapons
from among the residents and to locate the victims. "We have so
far found some 270 deceased."

He acknowledged that most of the refugees were not yet willing
to return home for various reasons. "Most of them said they were
still suffering from trauma."

Toding, one of the refugees being housed at the Poso police
precinct, admitted that many of them were still worried about
their safety in their home districts.

Unlike Poso, the vacant villages located at the former
frontline remained tense on Monday. Everywhere were the ruins of
buildings, which had been ravaged and burned down during the
riots.

Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Soeroso said the
police would not reduce the number of police and military
personnel in Poso, despite the improved atmosphere.

"We will, instead, send more police mobile brigade troops from
Pare-Pare in South Sulawesi," Soeroso said, adding that he had
just consulted with his colleagues in South Sulawesi.

Ultimatum

In an effort to maintain peace and support the peace deal
signed by the Sulawesi governors, Soeroso said the police would
take firm measures against those trying to rock the boat.

"I herewith announce that we'll take stiff action against all
those instigating chaos. They will become the enemy of all
Sulawesi people."

Poso City Police chief Supt. Djasman Baso Opu shared Soeroso's
opinion, calling on all refugees, who are now dispersed
throughout Sulawesi's four provinces, to return to their homes.

Three Sulawesi governors inked a peace deal for Poso in
Tentena, some 55 kilometers south of capital Palu, on Sunday.

North Sulawesi Governor A.J. Sondakh, H.Z.B. Palaguna of South
Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi Governor G.B. Paliudju attended the
meeting, initiated by Palaguna.

Southeast Sulawesi Governor Laode Kaimuddin had to remain in
the provincial capital of Kendari to supervise the preparations
for welcoming President Abdurrahman Wahid, who visited Kendari on
Monday.

The peace accord recommends security guarantees for refugees,
psychological and infrastructural rehabilitation and fair law
enforcement.

At least 60,000 Poso residents have been forced to seek safety
in various places throughout Sulawesi since the sectarian
conflict broke out in Poso last year. The most destructive
disturbances took place on May 23 this year, when around 300
people were killed. (27/sur)