Poso security command marks end of mandate

Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso

The task force that for the past six months has worked to maintain security in the conflict-torn city of Poso, Central Sulawesi, saw its mandate officially come to an end Monday.

Thousands of weapons and rounds of ammunition confiscated by the Security Restoration Operation Command during its term were put on display at Poso military headquarters to mark the event.

The task force, set up Jan. 5 this year, answers to the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. It was formed to investigate a series of violent attacks in Poso and Palu following the 2001 Malino peace agreement, which largely brought an end to clashes between Christians and Muslims that killed more than 1,000 people in 2000 and 2001.

Task force head Insp. Gen. Paulus Purwoko said most of the weapons and ammunition on display were seized during a series of operations in Poso over the past six months. He added that some of the items had been voluntarily turned in by residents.

The weapons on display include 1,698 bullets of various calibers, 278 rifles and 85 pistols. There are also two grenades manufactured by state armory PT Pindad, 18 homemade bombs, 133 detonators and 74 arrows.

"All of these weapons will be destroyed after the display," Purwoko said. He added that the presentation was intended to show the public there remained many illegal weapons in circulation.

In addition to seizing weapons and curbing violence in Poso and Palu, the security task force also captured several people suspected of involvement in the Poso conflict, as well as a number of suspects in the embezzlement of humanitarian aid meant for victims of the violence.

Central Sulawesi has been awash with illegal firearms since the conflict in the area began in 2000. Between 2000 and 2004, police in the province recorded 174 cases of violence involving firearms.

Commenting on a bomb blast at Eklesia Church in Poso on Saturday night, Purwoko said police had identified the perpetrators.

He said the explosion, which did not cause any casualties, was linked to groups opposing the renovation of the church, which was badly damaged during the conflict in 2001.

"We will continue to investigate the case and search for those responsible," he said.***