Release International

The Indonesian government appears to have launched a massive crackdown on extremists in Poso, after a wave of attacks on militant hide-outs.

Police have killed several Islamist suspects and arrested many more from among a rebel group which, they claim, has masterminded many violent attacks on Christians. The extremists on their wanted list are also suspected of whipping up tensions between Muslims and Christians in Central Sulawesi province as a whole.

In the most recent raid in the Tanah Runtuh neighbourhood of Poso on January 22, 13 suspects were killed and 24 were arrested, according to The Jakarta Post. The newspaper reports that more than 50 other alleged militants managed to escape to hills and jungle. The rebels used firearms and bombs to try to fend off police; a large haul of ammunition and bombs were seized at their base.

Eleven days previously, police had raided a house in Gebang Rojo sub-district believed to be that of an Islamist militant. One suspect was shot dead in the raid and a further four were arrested. An Islamic teacher known as Rian was accidentally killed in the raid, sparking angry protests among local Muslims who assaulted and killed a policeman. The manhunt has left Poso in a state of high tension. But prominent Muslim leaders have thrown their weight behind the government's campaign, conscious that extremists are 'tarnishing the image' of moderate Islam.

Meanwhile, in the trial in Jakarta of militants accused of beheading three schoolgirls in Poso in 2005, one -- Lilik Purnomo -- has confessed to their murder. He claims his fellow accused, Irwanto Irano, was also an 'execution coordinator'. Purnomo also confessed to shooting Rev Susianty Tinulele in her pulpit in Palu in 2004.

Pray that peace can be restored in Poso. Thank God for what appears to be a more proactive approach by the government to wiping out extremism.

Pray for the families of the schoolgirls beheaded in Poso in 2005. Ask God to give them His comfort and grace as they relive their trauma during the trial.

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