Ruslan Sangadji and Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Palu/Kupang
Two of three men on death row in Poso, Central Sulawesi, told police Monday they were advised by their legal counsel not to reveal the names of 16 men who masterminded a wave of sectarian violence.
Fabianus Tibo, who was branded the commander of the "red group" of Christian militants, said he only decided to tell investigators the names after the three were sentenced to death for "masterminding" the conflict.
"I was asked by my former lawyer, Robert Bofe, not to mention the 16 names. I followed his advice even though I didn't know the reason why," the 60-year-old said.
"But after the judges decided to sentence me to death, I had no other choice but to reveal the 16 names as the real masterminds."
Apart from Tibo, police investigators, led by Central Sulawesi Police detective chief Sr. Comr. I Wayan Suharsa, also questioned Marinus da Silva about the allegations.
Tibo, da Silva and Marinus Riwu were sentenced to death in March 2001 by the Palu District Court for their role in the killing of about 200 Muslims in 2000.
Immediately after the panel of judges delivered the verdict, Tibo presented a handwritten list of 16 names of alleged masterminds. He identified them as Janes Simangunsong, Paulus Tungkanan, Angky Tungkanan, Lempa Delly, Erik Rombot, Yahya Pattiro, Sigilipu, Ladue, Obed, Sarjun, Herry Banibi, Guntur Taridji, Ventje Angkaw, Theo Mandayo, Son Ruagadi, and Bate Lateka.
However, neither the provincial court nor higher courts had taken Tibo's declaration into their legal consideration in upholding the verdict.
The police's move to question Tibo and da Silva comes amid hectic preparations by the Central Sulawesi prosecutor's office for the execution.
If the police decide to proceed with the statements of the two men, there may be a stay of execution to allow them to testify in any criminal proceedings against the 16, despite a statement Sunday from the Attorney General's Office there would be no more delays.
Last week, lawyers for the three filed a second plea for clemency with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, after their first appeal for a pardon was turned down last December.
High-ranking officials in the province -- including head of Central Sulawesi prosecutor's office Yahya Sibe and police chief Brig. Gen. Oegroseno, Palu Mayor Rudy Mastura -- held a closed-door meeting Monday on the planned execution.
It was the second in as many days after several top officials, including Oegroseno, met Sunday night. Present at Sunday's meeting was local Christian leader Rev. Renaldy Damanik and human rights activists.
Local religious leaders say they fear the executions will incite fresh violence in the area, which is home to equal numbers of Christians and Muslims.
"The government has never put on trial the perpetrators in some other conflict-prone areas nationwide, such as Aceh, Papua, Ambon, Sampit (in Kalimantan). Why is it only here, in Poso, that the common people must die for something they never did?" Damanik said.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
No reprieve for Poso 3, officials say
Ruslan Sangadji
The Jakarta Post
Palu, Central Sulawesi
Prosecutors insisted Sunday the death sentence for three men convicted for their role in the sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, would be carried out soon despite mounting calls for a stay of execution.
Central Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office head M. Jahja Sibe said technical difficulties were holding up the execution of Fabianus Tibo, 60, Marinus Riwu, 54, and Dominggus da Silva, 43, three Christians who were convicted of masterminding a series of attacks on Muslims in Poso in 2000.
"I need to reaffirm that the executions have not been carried out because the preparations are incomplete," Sibe was quoted by Antara newswire as saying.
Last week, lawyers for the three filed a second plea for clemency with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, while demanding the prosecution of 16 men they said were the real masterminds of the Poso unrest.
"We will press ahead with the execution process of the three convicted men despite their second appeal for a presidential pardon," Sibe said, adding a convict could only make one appeal for presidential clemency.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Masyhudi Ridwan also said Saturday that "technical reasons" forced prosecutors to delay the execution although he did not explain the difficulties.
The office previously said the men, currently detained in a Palu penitentiary, would face the firing squad by the end of March after their appeal for a presidential pardon was turned down last December.
Local Christians and some Muslims have backed the demand to delay the executions until the three men have been given the opportunity to testify in any future trial of the people identified by the lawyers.
Thousands of Christians held a mass prayer gathering Saturday in the Central Sulawesi town of Tentena to show their opposition to the executions.
There were tearful prayers asking for the salvation of the men.
Local Christian leader Rev. Renaldy Damanik, who led the prayer, expressed concern the executions could trigger a new wave of sectarian hostilities in Poso.
"I can't imagine about what will happen after the execution, as hundreds of emotional Christian people would carry the three men's coffins along the 200-kilometer-road connecting Tagolu village to Poso and Beteleme in Morowali regency (all mainly Christian areas," said Damanik, who was released from police custody in 2004 for alleged involvement in the turmoil.
Damanik also said the execution would "bury the truth" of who orchestrated the two-year conflict in Poso.
Other local Christian leaders have said Tibo, Da Silva and Riwo were scapegoats in a scenario contrived by the political elite.
In an effort to maintain calm before the executions, local police and religious leaders held a meeting Sunday evening, an activist said.
However, Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Oegroseno claimed the situation in Poso was "under control".
Damanik also urged Yudhoyono to visit Poso to hear the local community's opposition to the executions.
The three men were sentenced to death in March 2001 by the Palu District Court for masterminding a series of attacks that killed a total of 200 Muslims in 2000.***
The Jakarta Post
Palu, Central Sulawesi
Prosecutors insisted Sunday the death sentence for three men convicted for their role in the sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, would be carried out soon despite mounting calls for a stay of execution.
Central Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office head M. Jahja Sibe said technical difficulties were holding up the execution of Fabianus Tibo, 60, Marinus Riwu, 54, and Dominggus da Silva, 43, three Christians who were convicted of masterminding a series of attacks on Muslims in Poso in 2000.
"I need to reaffirm that the executions have not been carried out because the preparations are incomplete," Sibe was quoted by Antara newswire as saying.
Last week, lawyers for the three filed a second plea for clemency with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, while demanding the prosecution of 16 men they said were the real masterminds of the Poso unrest.
"We will press ahead with the execution process of the three convicted men despite their second appeal for a presidential pardon," Sibe said, adding a convict could only make one appeal for presidential clemency.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Masyhudi Ridwan also said Saturday that "technical reasons" forced prosecutors to delay the execution although he did not explain the difficulties.
The office previously said the men, currently detained in a Palu penitentiary, would face the firing squad by the end of March after their appeal for a presidential pardon was turned down last December.
Local Christians and some Muslims have backed the demand to delay the executions until the three men have been given the opportunity to testify in any future trial of the people identified by the lawyers.
Thousands of Christians held a mass prayer gathering Saturday in the Central Sulawesi town of Tentena to show their opposition to the executions.
There were tearful prayers asking for the salvation of the men.
Local Christian leader Rev. Renaldy Damanik, who led the prayer, expressed concern the executions could trigger a new wave of sectarian hostilities in Poso.
"I can't imagine about what will happen after the execution, as hundreds of emotional Christian people would carry the three men's coffins along the 200-kilometer-road connecting Tagolu village to Poso and Beteleme in Morowali regency (all mainly Christian areas," said Damanik, who was released from police custody in 2004 for alleged involvement in the turmoil.
Damanik also said the execution would "bury the truth" of who orchestrated the two-year conflict in Poso.
Other local Christian leaders have said Tibo, Da Silva and Riwo were scapegoats in a scenario contrived by the political elite.
In an effort to maintain calm before the executions, local police and religious leaders held a meeting Sunday evening, an activist said.
However, Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Oegroseno claimed the situation in Poso was "under control".
Damanik also urged Yudhoyono to visit Poso to hear the local community's opposition to the executions.
The three men were sentenced to death in March 2001 by the Palu District Court for masterminding a series of attacks that killed a total of 200 Muslims in 2000.***
Kaitan 16 Nama, Tibo Diperiksa Dirreskrim
Ruslan Sangadji
Palu
Dua orang terpidana mati kasus kerusuhan Poso, Sulawesi Tengah, Fabianus Tibo dan Dominggus da Silva, Senin (3/4) sekitar pukul 14.00 Wita, diperiksa oleh tim Direktorat Reserse dan Kriminal Polda Sulteng.
Pemeriksaan itu berkaitan dengan penyebutan 16 nama oleh Fabianus Tibo dan kawan-kawan, sebagai aktor intelektual di balik kerusuhan Poso tahun 2000 silam.
Dalam pemeriksaan yang dipimpin Direktur Reserse dan Kriminal Polda Sulteng, Komisaris Besar Polisi I Wayan Suharsa itu, Tibo ditanyai bahwa kenapa saat berlangsungnya persidangan tahun 2001 lalu, ia tidak langsung menyebut 16 nama tersebut.
Dalam jawabannya, Fabianus Tibo mengatakan bahwa sebenarnya ia akan menyebut 16 nama tersebut, hanya saja ia dilarang oleh kuasa hukumnya terdahulu, Robert Bofe.
"Waktu itu Pak Robert Bofe melarang saya untuk menyebut 16 nama tersebut. Makanya saya tidak berani juga bilang di persidangan. Saya ini kan tidak tahu apa-apa, jadi saya ikuti saja," kata Fabianus Tibo.
Fabianus Tibo menyebut 16 nama sebagai aktor intelektual kerusuhan Poso, nanti pada saat persidangan pembacaan vonis hukuman mati di Pengadilan Negeri Palu. Saat itu, Fabianus Tibo hanya menuliskan 16 nama di secarik kertak dan diserahkan kepada majelis hakim yang menyidangkannya.
16 nama yang dimaksud Fabianus Tibo sebagai aktor intelektual kerusuhan Poso itu adalah Janes Simangunsong, Paulus Tungkanan, Angky Tungkanan, Lempa Delly, Erik Rombot, Yahya Pattiro, Sigilipu, Ladue, Obed, Sarjun, herry Banibi, Guntur Taridji, Ventje Angkaw, Theo Mandayo, Son Ruagadi dan Bate Lateka.
Di tempat terpisah, Kepala Kejaksaan Tinggi, Yahya Sibe, Kapolda Brigadir Jenderal Polisi Oegroseno, Walikota Palu, Rudy Mastura dan beberapa pejabat lainnya menggelar rapat tertutup pada Senin (3/4) di kantor Walikota Palu.
Rapat tersebut sebagai lanjutan dari pertemuan pada Minggu (2/4) malam. Tidak diketahui apa yang dibicarakan dalam rapat tertutup itu. Tak satu pun pejabat yang dikonfirmasi, mau memberitahukan agenda dan hasil rapat tersebut.
"Kita cuma membicarakan soal keamanan dan ketertiban di Kota Palu saja. Tidak ada pembicaraan apa-apa selain itu," kata Walikota Palu, Rusdy Mastura kepada The Jakarta Post via telepon, Senin (3/4) sore.
Rusdy Mastura yang dikenal terbuka dengan para wartawan itu, tidak mau menjelaskan lebih detail soal hasil pertemuan dengan petinggi Kejaksaan Tinggi dan Kepolisian Sulawesi Tengah itu. Pihak kepolisian pun tidak bersedia dimintai keterangan soal agenda rapat tersebut.
Namun demikian, diduga rapat tersebut membicarakan soal keamanan berkaitan dengan rencana pelaksanaan eksekusi terhadap Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva. Karena, dari informasi yang berhasil dihimpun The Jakarta Post, bahwa jika eksekusi jadi dilaksanakan pada bulan April ini, maka akan dilakukan di Kota Palu. Hanya saja, tidak diketahui soal tempat dan waktunya.***
Palu
Dua orang terpidana mati kasus kerusuhan Poso, Sulawesi Tengah, Fabianus Tibo dan Dominggus da Silva, Senin (3/4) sekitar pukul 14.00 Wita, diperiksa oleh tim Direktorat Reserse dan Kriminal Polda Sulteng.
Pemeriksaan itu berkaitan dengan penyebutan 16 nama oleh Fabianus Tibo dan kawan-kawan, sebagai aktor intelektual di balik kerusuhan Poso tahun 2000 silam.
Dalam pemeriksaan yang dipimpin Direktur Reserse dan Kriminal Polda Sulteng, Komisaris Besar Polisi I Wayan Suharsa itu, Tibo ditanyai bahwa kenapa saat berlangsungnya persidangan tahun 2001 lalu, ia tidak langsung menyebut 16 nama tersebut.
Dalam jawabannya, Fabianus Tibo mengatakan bahwa sebenarnya ia akan menyebut 16 nama tersebut, hanya saja ia dilarang oleh kuasa hukumnya terdahulu, Robert Bofe.
"Waktu itu Pak Robert Bofe melarang saya untuk menyebut 16 nama tersebut. Makanya saya tidak berani juga bilang di persidangan. Saya ini kan tidak tahu apa-apa, jadi saya ikuti saja," kata Fabianus Tibo.
Fabianus Tibo menyebut 16 nama sebagai aktor intelektual kerusuhan Poso, nanti pada saat persidangan pembacaan vonis hukuman mati di Pengadilan Negeri Palu. Saat itu, Fabianus Tibo hanya menuliskan 16 nama di secarik kertak dan diserahkan kepada majelis hakim yang menyidangkannya.
16 nama yang dimaksud Fabianus Tibo sebagai aktor intelektual kerusuhan Poso itu adalah Janes Simangunsong, Paulus Tungkanan, Angky Tungkanan, Lempa Delly, Erik Rombot, Yahya Pattiro, Sigilipu, Ladue, Obed, Sarjun, herry Banibi, Guntur Taridji, Ventje Angkaw, Theo Mandayo, Son Ruagadi dan Bate Lateka.
Di tempat terpisah, Kepala Kejaksaan Tinggi, Yahya Sibe, Kapolda Brigadir Jenderal Polisi Oegroseno, Walikota Palu, Rudy Mastura dan beberapa pejabat lainnya menggelar rapat tertutup pada Senin (3/4) di kantor Walikota Palu.
Rapat tersebut sebagai lanjutan dari pertemuan pada Minggu (2/4) malam. Tidak diketahui apa yang dibicarakan dalam rapat tertutup itu. Tak satu pun pejabat yang dikonfirmasi, mau memberitahukan agenda dan hasil rapat tersebut.
"Kita cuma membicarakan soal keamanan dan ketertiban di Kota Palu saja. Tidak ada pembicaraan apa-apa selain itu," kata Walikota Palu, Rusdy Mastura kepada The Jakarta Post via telepon, Senin (3/4) sore.
Rusdy Mastura yang dikenal terbuka dengan para wartawan itu, tidak mau menjelaskan lebih detail soal hasil pertemuan dengan petinggi Kejaksaan Tinggi dan Kepolisian Sulawesi Tengah itu. Pihak kepolisian pun tidak bersedia dimintai keterangan soal agenda rapat tersebut.
Namun demikian, diduga rapat tersebut membicarakan soal keamanan berkaitan dengan rencana pelaksanaan eksekusi terhadap Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva. Karena, dari informasi yang berhasil dihimpun The Jakarta Post, bahwa jika eksekusi jadi dilaksanakan pada bulan April ini, maka akan dilakukan di Kota Palu. Hanya saja, tidak diketahui soal tempat dan waktunya.***
Sunday, April 02, 2006
GKST Minta Presiden ke Poso
Ruslan Sangadji
Palu
Gereja Kristen Sulawesi Tengah (GKST) mendesak Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, agar segera ke Poso untuk mendengarkan aspirasi masyarakat Kristen, kaitan dengan rencana eksekusi mati tiga terpidana kasus kerusuhan Poso, Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva.
"Kami minta Presiden secepatya ke Poso untuk mendengar langsung apa keinginan warga Kristen Poso," tegas Ketua GKST, Pendeta Renaldy Damanik di Palu, Minggu (2/4) sore.
Menurut Damanik, warga Kristen di Poso menyatakan menolak rencana eksekusi mati terhadap ketiga umat Katolik itu. Salah satu bentuk penolakan itu, adalah semakin aktifinya mereka mendoakan ketiga terpidana mati kerusuhan Poso tersebut. "Doa dilakukan tidak hanya pada jam-jam ibadah saja, tapi setiap saat," kata Damanik.
Bahkan, menurut Damanik, puncaknya dilakukan doa bersama di Tentena, Kecamatan Pamona Utara, yang dihadiri ribuan umat Kristiani di Poso. Saat itu seluruh jemaat meneteskan air mata, mereka mendoakan keselamatan Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva serta memohon agar eksekusi dibatalkan.
Damanik menyatakan, dirinya tidak bisa membayangkan apa yang akan terjadi bila itu setelah dieksekusi, lantas mayat ketiga terpidana itu melintas di perkampungan Kristen Poso sepanjang lebih 200 kilometer, dari Desa Tagolu, Poso menuju Beteleme, di Kabupaten Morowali.
Damanik menambahkan, jika Tibo, Riwu dan da Silva dieksekusi, maka seluruh kasus Poso sejak Desember 1998 hingga Desember 2001 diungkap lagi, namun tetap mengacu pada kerangka Deklarasi Malino akhir Desember 2001.
Menurut Damanik, apa yang terjadi pada Desember 1998 sampai tahun 2000 adalah konflik atau benturan fisik antara dua komunitas, kerena ketidakmampuan pemerintah dan aparat keamanan baik d pusat maupun Provinsi Sulteng dan Kabupaten Poso, sehingga terus berkelanjutan dan memakan korban manusia.
Sebelumnya, Kapolda Sulawesi Tengah, Brigadir Jenderal Polisi Oegroseno mengatakan, dalam amatannya di lapangan reaksi masyarakat terhadap rencana eksekusi tiga orang terpidana mati itu, biasa-biasa saja. "Reaksi masyarakat tidak menonjol. Biasa-biasa saja kok," tegas Kapolda Sulteng.
Ketua Front Solidaritas Islam Revolusioner (FSIR) Sulawesi Tengah, Sofyan Farid Lembah, menegaskan eksekusi terhadap Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da SIlva itu, tidak bisa ditunda lagi, karena prosedur hukumnya sudah memiliki kekuatan tetap.
Menurut Sofyan Lembah, eksekusi itu juga sebagai pengobat kesedihan bagi sedikitnya 2000 keluarga muslim yang dibunuh di Poso. Dia kuatir, jika eksekusi itu tidak dilakukan maka akan terjadi lagi konflik baru di Poso. "Jadi siapa yang bertanggungjawab dengan terbunuhnya ribuan umat Islam itu," kata Sofyan Farid Lembah.***
Palu
Gereja Kristen Sulawesi Tengah (GKST) mendesak Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, agar segera ke Poso untuk mendengarkan aspirasi masyarakat Kristen, kaitan dengan rencana eksekusi mati tiga terpidana kasus kerusuhan Poso, Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva.
"Kami minta Presiden secepatya ke Poso untuk mendengar langsung apa keinginan warga Kristen Poso," tegas Ketua GKST, Pendeta Renaldy Damanik di Palu, Minggu (2/4) sore.
Menurut Damanik, warga Kristen di Poso menyatakan menolak rencana eksekusi mati terhadap ketiga umat Katolik itu. Salah satu bentuk penolakan itu, adalah semakin aktifinya mereka mendoakan ketiga terpidana mati kerusuhan Poso tersebut. "Doa dilakukan tidak hanya pada jam-jam ibadah saja, tapi setiap saat," kata Damanik.
Bahkan, menurut Damanik, puncaknya dilakukan doa bersama di Tentena, Kecamatan Pamona Utara, yang dihadiri ribuan umat Kristiani di Poso. Saat itu seluruh jemaat meneteskan air mata, mereka mendoakan keselamatan Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da Silva serta memohon agar eksekusi dibatalkan.
Damanik menyatakan, dirinya tidak bisa membayangkan apa yang akan terjadi bila itu setelah dieksekusi, lantas mayat ketiga terpidana itu melintas di perkampungan Kristen Poso sepanjang lebih 200 kilometer, dari Desa Tagolu, Poso menuju Beteleme, di Kabupaten Morowali.
Damanik menambahkan, jika Tibo, Riwu dan da Silva dieksekusi, maka seluruh kasus Poso sejak Desember 1998 hingga Desember 2001 diungkap lagi, namun tetap mengacu pada kerangka Deklarasi Malino akhir Desember 2001.
Menurut Damanik, apa yang terjadi pada Desember 1998 sampai tahun 2000 adalah konflik atau benturan fisik antara dua komunitas, kerena ketidakmampuan pemerintah dan aparat keamanan baik d pusat maupun Provinsi Sulteng dan Kabupaten Poso, sehingga terus berkelanjutan dan memakan korban manusia.
Sebelumnya, Kapolda Sulawesi Tengah, Brigadir Jenderal Polisi Oegroseno mengatakan, dalam amatannya di lapangan reaksi masyarakat terhadap rencana eksekusi tiga orang terpidana mati itu, biasa-biasa saja. "Reaksi masyarakat tidak menonjol. Biasa-biasa saja kok," tegas Kapolda Sulteng.
Ketua Front Solidaritas Islam Revolusioner (FSIR) Sulawesi Tengah, Sofyan Farid Lembah, menegaskan eksekusi terhadap Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu dan Dominggus da SIlva itu, tidak bisa ditunda lagi, karena prosedur hukumnya sudah memiliki kekuatan tetap.
Menurut Sofyan Lembah, eksekusi itu juga sebagai pengobat kesedihan bagi sedikitnya 2000 keluarga muslim yang dibunuh di Poso. Dia kuatir, jika eksekusi itu tidak dilakukan maka akan terjadi lagi konflik baru di Poso. "Jadi siapa yang bertanggungjawab dengan terbunuhnya ribuan umat Islam itu," kata Sofyan Farid Lembah.***
Execution of Poso convicts postponed
Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu/Jakarta
The execution of three Christians convicted of masterminding the 2001 sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has been postponed for "technical reasons", the Attorney General's Office said Saturday.
The Attorney General's Office had earlier announced that the three would be executed at the end of March after their plea for presidential clemency was rejected.
"There is something which is yet to be prepared for the execution. It is a technical problem," the Office's spokesman Mashyudi Ridwan told The Jakarta Post, declining to discuss the exact reasons for the delay.
He said that the postponement had nothing to do with demands the execution be canceled until 16 men, who the convicted three claim are the real masterminds of the conflict, testify in court.
The trials of the 16 men, two of whom are influential local figures, are expected to shed light on the origins of the deadly conflict.
In the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu, where the three are spending their last days, Catholic priests have refused to accompany them to their executions until the 16 accused go on trial.
Neither Mashyudi nor the convicts' lawyers would say if the priests' resistance was the "technical problem" that was delaying the execution.
"Our request for a second case review and presidential pardon is being processed, therefore the execution must be delayed until the truth comes to light," Father Jimmy Tumbelaka said.
The priest of the Tentena and Morowali parish said that the three men, Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu, and Dominggus da Silva, were only victims, the scapegoats of a scenario created by Poso's political elite.
It's commonly believed that the simmering conflict was the result of a power struggle between Muslim and Christian political elites in Poso, a Christian enclave in Central Sulawesi.
Harris Hutabarat, a lawyer for the three men, proposed the second clemency last Tuesday after the first request was denied by the President in November 2005.
In early March this year the three men also requested a review of the case.
"According to the 2002 law on clemency, an execution must be postponed whenever a plea for clemency is still in the process," said Roy Rening, the leader of the three's defense team.
"We hope that the Supreme Court, as the last bastion of law, provides the president with fair and balanced opinions before he decides on the fate of these three," added Roy.
Poso is a regency equally divided between Christians and Muslims. In 2000 and 2001, the province became the scene of battles between two sectarian groups, leaving about 1,000 people dead.
On July 25, 2001, the police arrested Tibo, Da Silva and Riwu, all Christians. The Poso District Court found them guilty of leading an attack on a Muslim village and sentenced them to death in the same year. (09/10)
The execution of three Christians convicted of masterminding the 2001 sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has been postponed for "technical reasons", the Attorney General's Office said Saturday.
The Attorney General's Office had earlier announced that the three would be executed at the end of March after their plea for presidential clemency was rejected.
"There is something which is yet to be prepared for the execution. It is a technical problem," the Office's spokesman Mashyudi Ridwan told The Jakarta Post, declining to discuss the exact reasons for the delay.
He said that the postponement had nothing to do with demands the execution be canceled until 16 men, who the convicted three claim are the real masterminds of the conflict, testify in court.
The trials of the 16 men, two of whom are influential local figures, are expected to shed light on the origins of the deadly conflict.
In the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu, where the three are spending their last days, Catholic priests have refused to accompany them to their executions until the 16 accused go on trial.
Neither Mashyudi nor the convicts' lawyers would say if the priests' resistance was the "technical problem" that was delaying the execution.
"Our request for a second case review and presidential pardon is being processed, therefore the execution must be delayed until the truth comes to light," Father Jimmy Tumbelaka said.
The priest of the Tentena and Morowali parish said that the three men, Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu, and Dominggus da Silva, were only victims, the scapegoats of a scenario created by Poso's political elite.
It's commonly believed that the simmering conflict was the result of a power struggle between Muslim and Christian political elites in Poso, a Christian enclave in Central Sulawesi.
Harris Hutabarat, a lawyer for the three men, proposed the second clemency last Tuesday after the first request was denied by the President in November 2005.
In early March this year the three men also requested a review of the case.
"According to the 2002 law on clemency, an execution must be postponed whenever a plea for clemency is still in the process," said Roy Rening, the leader of the three's defense team.
"We hope that the Supreme Court, as the last bastion of law, provides the president with fair and balanced opinions before he decides on the fate of these three," added Roy.
Poso is a regency equally divided between Christians and Muslims. In 2000 and 2001, the province became the scene of battles between two sectarian groups, leaving about 1,000 people dead.
On July 25, 2001, the police arrested Tibo, Da Silva and Riwu, all Christians. The Poso District Court found them guilty of leading an attack on a Muslim village and sentenced them to death in the same year. (09/10)
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