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.