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.