Security and order in Poso improving after Malino deal
Security and order in Poso improving after Malino deal
Erik W., The Jakarta Post, Palu
Security has been improving in Poso in Central Sulawesi, four
months after two warring factions signed a peace deal last
December in the South Sulawesi hill resort of Malino.
Traffic has since increased in Poso city, with Muslim and
Christian villagers continuing to move freely around shopping
centers and other public places.
Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto
said on Monday that peace was returning to Poso.
However, he said some traffic accidents had been recorded in
the past few months. "Maybe it is because local residents are so
joyful, so they have not been mindful of traffic regulations," he
said.
Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin Ishak
earlier said that at least 14 cases of violence had taken place
in Poso since the Malino peace accord had been signed.
The cases had, however, nothing to do with the recent
sectarian clashes but were merely criminal, he claimed.
Ishak said the crimes included the recent bombings of two
local government buildings in Poso. There were no reports of
fatalities in the incidents.
Meanwhile, local Muslim and Christian leaders, authorities and
community figures were disseminating information about the
outcome of the historic Malino agreement to end two years of
fighting.
Last week, the Communication Forum for Interreligious
Followers (FKUB) was established in the town to strengthen
efforts to create lasting peace.
Branches of the religious organization are being set up in
villages and subdistricts.
"Security and peace should emerge from our hearts. Security
and government authorities only serve as mediators," Poso Deputy
Regent Abdul Malik Syahadat told a ceremony to mark the
establishment of a FKUB branch in Poso Pesisir subdistrict last
Thursday.
During the event, he handed over Rp 2,350,000 for the forum's
establishment committee to rebuild or renovate destroyed
elementary school buildings and to provide electricity.
On the same occasion, deputy speaker of the Poso legislative
council Akram Kamaruddin pleaded with local people to uphold
their own religious teachings without interfering in the affairs
of followers of other religions.
He also called on the people to learn from the sectarian
conflict and to avoid false statements and acts against each
other, which could spark new problems among them.
More than 1,000 people from once-warring factions attended the
ceremony.
N. Lanancu, who represented Muslims, said FKUB should be
accepted by followers of all religions as a positive move to
promote peace in Poso, where more than 2,000 people were killed
in two years of fighting since 2000.
He said he hoped the organization would run smoothly and
effectively for all residents.
Christian representative K.R. Lawento said the forum, set up
by the Poso government, should serve as a tool for locals to love
each other.
"Love must begin from within ourselves and others will
follow," he added.
Col. Zaenal Chairul, chief of the Operation Command for Poso,
said the FKUB was formed to meet the demands of local Christians
and Muslims.
He said the Indonesian Military (TNI) had facilitated
the setting up of the forum.