Poso blast ups security concerns

Poso blast ups security concerns

The Jakarta Post, Tentena, Jakarta

Flags were flown half mast on Sunday in the town of Tentena,
Central Sulawesi, where two bombs exploded killing at least 20
people on Saturday morning. Although the bombs were placed in a
crowded market and outside a bank, and apparently did not target
foreigners, security was nevertheless immediately stepped up at
Jakarta's embassies and hotels.

Saturday's blasts in Tentena, which was spared from earlier
communal violence in the province, were the deadliest since the
bombing in Bali in 2002 that killed 202 people.

In Tentena, some 60 kilometers south of Poso, a flashpoint of
violence in recent years, Christian and Muslim leaders met and
conveyed condolences to one another, sending the message to their
faithful that they were common victims in the attacks. The Sunday
meetings were seen crucial given fears of reignited communal
violence in the province, which killed over 1,000 people in two
years of bloodshed until 2001. The religious leaders were praised
by visiting Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who as chief social
affairs minister had sponsored the peace talks.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was on an official
visit to Hanoi, appealed for calm on Sunday and that he might
"review" the performance of the current security forces. Susilo,
who is promoting the country as an investment destination, was on
the second leg of his tour before departing for Tokyo after
visiting Washington.

National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said the dead
numbered 20, not 22 as reported earlier, while 53 were injured.

On Sunday activities resumed in Tentena, a predominantly
Christian regency, but motorists heading for the town were forced
to queue for security escorts. At the town's only hospital, nuns
led special prayers and hymns in wards crowded with the wounded,
the Associated Press reported on Sunday, while medical staff
complained of a lack of supplies.

Chief of Central Sulawesi Police. Brig. Gen. Pol. Aryanto
Sutadi, said the explosives were similar to earlier ones found in
conflict areas. He said the ongoing investigation showed the
bombs were placed inside cans and comprised wires, pieces of
iron, Malaysian fertilizer, gunpowder and timers.

Police are, however, still waiting for forensic results. The
motivation for the attack is not yet clear, with suspicion
ranging from links to the earlier communal conflict, rivalry in
the upcoming direct regional elections, local investment issues,
and Islamic terrorists. Last week the American embassy in Jakarta
was closed temporarily following reports of a website that
described ways to destroy the embassy building.

In a press conference in Palu, Kalla charged that the bombers
were "outsiders" intent on disrupting the reconciliation process
in the conflict-prone region.

"Such acts can only be done by savage and irresponsible people
who do not want to see Poso safe," Kalla said.

Kalla accused the bombers of trying to disrupt investment
opportunities in Poso, where the PLTA Sulewana hydro-electric
plant is to be constructed. Kalla said the bombings would not
affect the upcoming elections of regional heads there, slated for
June 30.

Police chief Da'i said four teams, or 40 personnel, from the
National Police headquarters' investigative unit, as well as
three teams from Central Sulawesi police, have been deployed to
work on the case.

Chief security minister Widodo AS said after a special
coordinating meeting in Jakarta that intelligence operations
would be intensified, as would safeguarding of vital objects and
foreign interests.