Release International

The Indonesian authorities have arrested 15 people over violence in Central Sulawesi -- and named 26 more suspects they want to trace.

The 15 detainees suspected of some of the bloodiest attacks in the province in 2001-2006 are thought to belong to two militant groups, Tanah Runtuh and Kompak Kayamanya.

The attacks over which they are being questioned include the beheading of three Christian schoolgirls in Poso last year and the shooting of Rev Susianti Tinulele in Palu in 2004. Police have taken the usual step of naming all 41 suspects publicly -- and announcing that the 15 arrests were the result of information supplied by Muslim leaders in Poso, reports AsiaNews.

Meanwhile, three militants have appeared in court in Jakarta charged with masterminding the Poso schoolgirls' murders in 2005. The court heard allegations that the girls were beheaded as a 'trophy' to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. The plot was apparently conceived after militants heard Filipino jihadists boast of Ramadan bombings.

AsiaNews also reports that the Indonesian government has sent troops to Poso to begin rebuilding homes and infrastructure wrecked in violence between 1999 and 2001. Vice-President Jusuf Kalla has also met with religious leaders to discuss ways to restore peace.

• Thank God that the Indonesian authorities have taken steps to reassure the church in Central Sulawesi that they have not been abandoned amid recent violence.
• Praise God too that Muslim religious leaders have worked with police to help track down Islamist militant suspects. Pray they will continue to stand for justice.

Back to top