President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed on Thursday his concern of the riot in the Central Sulawesi town of Buol and ordered a thorough investigation to the clash, which killed at least seven people.
The president also demanded that the Central Sulawesi governor, Buol regent take account of the incident, saying security was not solely the responsibility of the police.
"Such an incident can be prevented if the regional government apparatus carry out their jobs well. When riot or anarchy erupts, it’s not only the National Police who is responsible for settlement, but also the governor, regent, district chief. The regional government must be actively manage, communicate with and explain to the public,” Yudhoyono said was quoted by kompas.com as he opened a Cabinet meeting at his office.
He added that the Indonesian Military (TNI) should work with the police if security threats escalated.
“Our experience in the past revealed that lack of anticipation, poor synergy, the absence of response and lack of responsibility resulted in unnecessary loss of lives. I will ask the regional military about what they have done in coping with the matter,” Yudhoyono said.
The president asked for a thorough investigation and stiff law enforcement against those responsible for the riot, which he said had tarnished the solemnity of the Ramadan fasting month.
He underlined that the Buol incident should be accordingly taken care of so as not to escalate into large-scale riots which occurred in Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta and Batam in Riau Islands earlier this year.
“I haven’t seen the state apparatus in regions develop communication with local community or religious figures. I want Cabinet members to ensure the system works in the regions,” Yudhoyono said.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Iskandar Hasan said investigators had named four people suspects for inciting the riot and questioning a number of officers, including Biau police station chief, in connection with the clash.
Police opened fire at hundreds of locals who attacked Biau police station on Tuesday night. The raid followed the death of a motorcycle taxi driver while being detained at the police station on Monday.
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