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