The Jakarta Post, September 07, 2006
Man dies in Central Sulawesi bomb blast
Ruslan Sangadji and Ridwan M. Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Jakarta
One man died when a bomb exploded Wednesday in Poso regency, Central
Sulawesi, which in recent years has been the scene of religious violence.
The explosion in Tangkura village in Poso Pesisir Selatan district, about 20 kilometers
from the regency capital Poso city, took place in an empty farm building. The victim,
identified as Jhon Tobeli, 50, was taken to Poso General Hospital where an autopsy
was performed.
Police report the low-explosive device went off at around 10 a.m. local time. No motive
has been reported and officers are continuing to gather information, including speaking
with the victim's wife, Ros Sance.
According to information gathered so far, the victim and his wife, residents of Sangira
village, were traveling to Poso city to purchase supplies. They stopped at Tangkura
village so Jhon could urinate.
As the victim was urinating beside the abandoned building, a low-explosive device
placed inside a box went off, killing Jhon instantly. His wife, who was standing on the
side of the road near their motorbike, escaped injury.
Ros shouted for help and residents soon began arriving. After being informed her
husband was dead, Ros lost consciousness.
Police are still examining the scene and seeking additional information from residents.
A signatory of the Malino peace pact that largely ended the religious violence in Poso,
Sofyan Farid Lembah, speculated the bomb could have been the work of a group
attempting to cast local Muslims in a bad light.
This follows the postponement of the execution of Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu and
Dominggus da Silva, three Christian men sentenced to death for a massacre in Poso.
He pointed out the explosion occurred two days after Muslims staged a rally in Poso
demanding the immediate execution of the three men.
"I believe the blast was an attempt to make Muslims the scapegoat for the violence.
It's a common scenario in Poso," Sofyan said.
Contacted separately, Poso Regent Piet Inkiriwang urged residents not to be
provoked and to allow the authorities to investigate the incident.
Poso remained calm after the explosion. Activity at markets, schools and offices
continued as usual, though there were more armed security personnel seen on the
streets.
In Jakarta, House of Representative Speaker Agung Laksono asked security
authorities to investigate the explosion, which he said was aimed at stoking tension in
Poso.
"I don't know the exact motive behind the incident but it and past explosions are
sending a clear message that Poso remains restive and the security authorities still
have to work harder," he said. He added that Poso could expect more such incidents
unless harsh actions were taken.
Agung questioned the work of security authorities in Central Sulawesi, pointing out no
arrests have been made in connection with past bombings. He demanded that anyone
guilty of fomenting violence in the regency be brought to justice.
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