The Jakarta Post, April 16, 2007
Bomb explodes in restive Poso, no casualties
Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso
A low-intensity bomb exploded Saturday evening in the Central Sulawesi city of Poso,
which has been wracked by violence between Christians and Muslims, but no injuries
were reported.
The bomb exploded at a house belonging to a man identified as Yohanes, in
Kasiguncu village, Poso Pesisir district. Yohanes was not at home at the time of the
explosion.
Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Adheni Muhan told The Jakarta Post that he and his
officers arrived on the scene shortly after the explosion.
Adheni did not give details of the explosion, only saying officers had recovered several
pieces of plastic pipe and nails that may have come from the bomb. He added the
explosion left a four-centimeter deep hole in the yard of the house.
"I am not able to give any details on the motive of the explosion. We're still
investigating the case," Adheni said.
Residents also refused to speculate on who may have been behind the bomb and
why.
Samaila, one of the residents, said the explosion was very loud. When asked who he
thought was responsible, he offered no opinion. "I don't know who they are. Let the
police investigate it."
Poso was the site of violence between Christians and Muslims between 1998 and
2001 that left thousands dead. A peace deal was signed in 2001, but it has failed
totally to stop the violence.
The area has been especially tense since the executions of three Christian militants
in September for their roles in the massacre of Muslims at a boarding school in 2000.
Meanwhile, several Muslim men detained by police for involvement in a series of
violent attacks on Christians, apologized to their victims and victims' families on
Friday.
The suspects have been identified as Basri alias Bagong, Wiwin Kalahe, Tugiran,
Yudi Parsan and Ardin. They have reportedly admitted to involvement in a series of
attacks, including the deadly bombing at Tentena market and the killing of three
Christian students in Poso.
"We apologize for what we've done. Because of our acts, you -- my brothers and
sisters -- are now suffering," said Basri, shaking the hands of Ivon Nathalia and Yuli,
who survived an attack allegedly by Wiwin and Ardin on Nov. 8, 2005.
Ivon and Yuli cried as they shook hands with Basri and the other men. Ivon said she
forgave them, and issued a plea for peace. "I ask for an end to violence in Poso."
The family of Nela Salianggo, who died in a bombing in Kawua village in South Poso
Kota, also forgave the men.
Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Badrodin Haiti said the suspects would still
be tried in criminal court for their actions.
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