T. Abang clash due to 'lack of understanding'

JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has called Tuesday's clash between Kebon Melati residents in Tanah Abang and Irian Jaya youths a "misunderstanding".

"The situation is now under control. I checked on the location myself when the clash happened," he said Wednesday.

Sjafrie urged Tanah Abang residents and all Jakartans not to take the law into their own hands.

"If people could control their emotions and anger, handle themselves properly, these kind of things would not happen," he said.

Three people, including a local senior military officer, were injured in the clash between local residents and Irian Jaya youths living at the Cendrawasih dormitory.

Six hundred and fifty riot officers from the Central Jakarta Police and the Jakarta Military Command, were dispatched to Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur to control the brawl.

The injured victims were rushed to nearby Pelni Hospital in Petamburan for treatment.

They were identified as Tanah Abang Subdistrict Military Command Chief Capt. Wayan S. and civilians Hepi Suryadi and Budi.

A truck was burned in the incident.

Police confiscated four arrows, believed to be poisonous, from the Irian Jaya youths.

The Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah said Tuesday that the clash was not related to earlier clashes in the area.

"Please don't mix this with other Tanah Abang issues. This is merely a misunderstanding between our brothers," he said.

But he confirmed that police and military officers have identified those who allegedly started the clash. Among them were Syahroni of Kebon Melati, Jaelani who lived next door to the Cendrawasih dormitory, and a former Armed Forces Special Command corporal Adjat.

"We didn't detain them for questioning because we need more evidence," he said.

The commotion was believed to have been sparked by PT Mondial's cleaning activities. PT Mondial's office is located near the dormitory.

When some of the workers burned the garbage, Kebon Melati residents mistakenly regarded it as an attempt at arson conducted by the dorm's occupants.

The Kebon Melati residents then flocked to the dormitory and threw homemade bombs.

The clash was brought under control at about 11 p.m. when leading figures from both sides were asked to calm down the group.

A dialog was held to find the cause of the problem. Local residents and the Irianese later agreed to carry out an integrated night watch, monitored by security officers.

When asked to comment on the recent spate of clashes in Tanah Abang, Sjafrie said the incident was just a "micro" case.

"Those clashes happened to express anger and dissatisfaction. This must be stopped. If we give leniency and ignore these issues, it could disrupt unity.

"I pledge to punish every officer or any other party found guilty in the Tanah Abang clash. I will not defend culprits or any of my officials," he added. (edt/04)