The Jakarta Post, 4/12/2005 6:02:28 PM
Muslim and Christian figures in Palu meet for reconciliation
PALU, Central Sulawesi (Antara): At least 40 Muslim and Christian figures from Poso
regency met here on Tuesday to discuss ways on how to end religious conflicts in the
area over the last five years.
The meeting was arranged by the children's association of Indonesia's largest Muslim
organization Nahdlatul Ulama at Palu Golden Hotel.
Adnan Arsal, a representative of the Muslim figures, said that the meeting, attended
by religious figures from villages throughout Poso regency, was aimed at helping them
settle their own problems.
"One of the main agenda is how to invite villagers from different religions to mingle
again," he said.
When asked whether the meeting also discussed law enforcement against the
culprits of the conflicts, Arsal said, "Any problems (hindering the reconciliation
process) have to be settled here."
The most important thing, Arsal said, was that the meeting was expected to help
return the condition of the community in Poso to how it was before the conflict erupted
in the middle of 2000 -- a community with conducive security and order when people
were freeto go anywhere without any feeling of fear.
"We (participants of the meeting) are obliged to disseminate the results of the
meeting directly to the people," he said. (**)
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