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.