Transparent riot probe demanded

Transparent riot probe demanded

JAKARTA (JP): The Communion of Churches in Indonesia called
yesterday for a transparent and comprehensive investigation of
the recent religious and ethnic riots.

The body warned that violence of a similar nature would
reoccur if the cases were not handled in a transparent and
thorough fashion.

"We beg the government to prioritize the investigation of the
recent violence. When handling the cases please bear in mind the
public's demand for justice," the communion said in a statement
signed by its chief Sularso Sopater and secretary J.M.
Pattiasina.

The communion has repeatedly warned that a lack of
transparency and thoroughness will undermine people's trust in
the legal system.

The ethnically and religiously motivated riots broke out in
Java's Situbondo, Tasikmalaya, Rengasdengklok and West
Kalimantan's Sanggau Ledo.

In Java, the rioters targeted mainly Chinese and Christian
properties. Scores of shops, factories, churches and Buddhist
temples were burned or wrecked. At least 10 people were killed.

In Situbondo, 54 rioters have received sentences ranging from
probation to 10 months in prison. In Tasikmalaya and
Rengasdengklok the investigations are still ongoing.

The riots in West Kalimantan are pitting the indigenous Dayaks
against migrants from Madura. A major clash was reported on Jan.
29, forcing 5,000 people to flee their homes as hundreds of
houses were leveled. Four people were killed and 21 are still
missing, according to official statistics. Sporadic clashes
continue.

"We are undergoing a period full of challenges and threats
which can put the nation's unity in danger," the statement said.

The latest official statistics show that in 1990, of
Indonesia's 179 million people, 87 percent were Moslem, six
percent Protestant, 4 percent Catholic, two percent Hindu, one
percent Buddhist and 0.3 percent undecided.

The communion said that continuing rumors and circulating
anonymous leaflets discrediting certain religious and ethnic
groups have left people wondering when the unrest might end.

"All the confusion stems from the unclear solutions the
authorities have proposed to end the anarchic action and the
feeling of insecurity in certain groups in society," the
statement said.

The continuing rumors of riots stir up suspicion, cause unrest
and undermine people's trust in the government, it added.

The communion is also concerned over allegations that a third
party is benefiting from the riots. It said the speculation had
even plunged the general public into confusion.

"The numerous riots have only added to the nation's burden,
worsened the nation's hardships, tarnished a certain religion and
weakened unity," the communion said.

The communion pointed out that violence is against the
teaching of any religion and called for Christians not to be
tempted into doing anything against the law.

Numerous academics believe the root of the problem is the wide
socioeconomic disparity. They have called on the government to
address the widening gulf between the rich and the poor.

The issue was given a twist recently when the controversial
Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid pointed a finger at Moslem
activists, saying Humanika masterminded the Tasikmalaya violence.

The activists rejected the accusation and filed complaints
with the police over Abdurrahman's "slanderous" public comments.

On Feb. 2, Indonesian Bishops Council Chairman Julius Cardinal
Darmoatmodjo said that moral decadence was the main cause of the
recent riots. (12)

Rumors -- Page 2