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Govt to offer 1t if Sampang religious conflict settled
The government has promised to set aside special funds worth Rp 1 trillion (US$105 million) for infrastructure development and restoration in Madura, East Java, on the condition that the conflict between the Sunni and Shia groups in Sampang is resolved
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hegovernment has promised to set aside special funds worth Rp 1 trillion (US$105million) for infrastructure development and restoration in Madura, East Java,on the condition that the conflict between the Sunni and Shia groups in Sampangis resolved.
The government has also promised both groups it would carry out various development programs by a number of ministries.
The government's pledge was conveyed by East Java Governor Soekarwo during the third reconciliation dialog between the Sunni and Shia communities at the Sunan Ampel State Islamic Institute (IAIN) in Surabaya on Tuesday evening.
According to Soekarwo, underdevelopment in Madura is one of the factors that easily triggers social issues among the Madurese community.
Apart from the Rp 1 trillion in special funds, the central government, through the People's Housing Ministry will also initiate various development programs for the community on the island.
People's Housing Minister Dhan Faridz said his ministry would build infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, as well as rebuild homes of Shia refugees, which were razed by the mob during the riot in August 2012.
'To prevent jealousy among the society, we will also make efforts to restore and renovate homes of non-refugees in two villages, followed by renovations of homes in two districts in Sampang,' Djan told reporters after the dialog.
Based on preliminary data, he went on, 397 homes in the two villages would be reconstructed. Djan also offered rented low-cost apartments for students of Islamic boarding schools.
'The apartments would be provided to them when the reconciliation has been achieved and completed. We hope refugees would return to their places of origin and return to the true Islamic teaching,' said Djan.
The Sunni-Shia conflict in Sampang has been in the spotlight as the international community regards Indonesia to be incapable of protecting the rights of the minority.
Members of the Shia minority community have been displaced for almost a year following a riot involving Shiites and an anti-Shia group in Sampang.
Two Shiites were killed, while dozens of houses belonging to Shiites were burned down by a mob in the incident. The majority of Indonesians are Sunni Muslims.
The displaced Shia families comprising 224 people are living in the Puspa Agro low-cost apartments.
