Refugees refused in C. Kalimantan

Refugees refused in C. Kalimantan

SAMPANG, Central Kalimantan: Dayak people have refused to
allow 150 Madurese refugees to return to Central Kalimantan on
the grounds that they have not apologized and made any pledge to
abide by the Dayaks' indigenous customs and traditions.

"The Madurese refugees forced their way onto ships to return
to Central Kalimantan via Tanjung Perak harbor in East Java, but
were soon rejected by the local people upon arrival in Sampang,"
said H. Ach Mas'ad, head of the Sampang Riot Victims
Communications Forum.

The refugees insisted on returning to Central Kalimantan, as
they could no longer bear to live in refugee camps in Madura,
Mas'ad said.

"We urge those intending to return to the houses they
abandoned during the conflict to contact the local governments,"
he said.

Ethnic clashes have erupted over the last few years, following
years of enmity between the indigenous Dayak people and Madurese
migrants.

If they insisted on having their own way, it would be likely
to spark fresh clashes again, he said. "We hope all parties
restrain themselves until assurances are given by the local
government allowing them to return," he was quoted by Antara as
saying.