Poso Muslims visit Christian base

PALU, Central Sulawesi: At least 100 Muslim residents from various parts of Poso regency visited on Wednesday afternoon Christian communities in Tentena, North Pamona district.

The visit by Poso Muslims, grouped under the Association of Poso Muslim Families (FKKMP), aims to forge peace and harmony between the two religions in the aftermath of a sectarian conflict that rocked the area for two years since 2000.

At least 2,000 Muslims and Christians were killed in the bitter conflict, which was partially resolved after a government- sponsored peace pact drawn up in 2002, but sporadic attacks against both sides have occurred in recent months.

FKKMP chairman Burhan S. Adu said the people of Poso, despite their differences in faith, were of the same culture, tradition, history, language and ancestry.

These united values would be nurtured again to prevent horizontal conflicts from pitting one group against the other, he said.

Many Christians living in predominantly Muslim areas took refuge in Tentena, while Muslims in Christian areas fled to Poso town during the conflict.

Despite the relatively calm situation in Poso regency, unrestricted travel and the lifting of its state of civil emergency, not all refugees had returned to their homes. -- JP