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.