Who is responsible for Sampit violence?

Who is responsible for Sampit violence?

From Rakyat Merdeka

The commotion taking place in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, for whatever reason, has marred our nationalism. The anger and atrocities committed by the people there have resulted in the ethnic Madurese fleeing the area. The local Dayaks have succeeded in chasing away their long-standing enemies, the Madurese. Apparently they have forgotten that Kalimantan is not their possession, but belongs to the state which does not discriminate with regard to ethnicity and is open to everybody.

We have reason to be saddened by the prevailing anger and enmity among the people, under the pretext of ethnicity and religion. The state should be able to overcome these problems, and no particular ethnic group may claim a certain territory in this country. Both the Dayaks and the Madurese should not be too extreme in viewing their ethnic integrity. And they must be sure that no provocateur ignites the people's sentiments and emotions.

I appeal to the Dayak elders living in Java to act wisely and calm their people in the region. Similarly, the Madurese leaders should not necessarily retaliate. R. Hartono from Madura and ZA Maulani from the Dayak community should make a concerted effort to ease the conflict. After all, the Dayaks and the Madurese are brothers and sisters.

M ABDULLAH

Jakarta