T

he Lampung provincial and South Lampung regency administrations are focussing on mediating peace between ethnic Balinese and native Lampung residents who were involved in clashes last week, after refugees returned to Balinuraga village, South Lampung.

“We will immediately hold a joint ceremony in the form of a communal traditional feast, aimed at bringing together residents from the two villages to engage with each other,” Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P. said on Wednesday.

Sjachroedin said the peace efforts which had been carried out would not be successful if a desire for revenge remained between the disputing communities.

At least 12 people died in bloody ethnic clashes between Balinese Hindus from Balinuraga and native Lampung Muslim villagers from neighboring Agom at the end of October. Nine of the dead were Balinese.

Up to 400 houses were also looted or destroyed, forcing over 1,700 people to take shelter in a refugee camp in the provincial capital of Bandar Lampung.

“During the peace talks on Tuesday, representatives of victims killed in the conflict were also involved. They vowed to get rid of vengeance and return to living in harmony. Lampung and Balinese residents in South Lampung should follow their example. Security personnel must also take firm action and have the courage to quell any trouble. If they are resolute, I’m sure South Lampung will be peaceful,” said Sjachroedin.

Sjachroedin added that the central government would provide Rp 16 billion (US$1.7 million) in aid through the People’s Housing Ministry and Social Affairs Ministry under the coordination of the Home Ministry and the Office of Coordinating People’s Welfare Minister, to rebuild damaged homes.

The aid is for rehabilitation and reconstruction programs and victimized families. The assistance is not only for Balinuraga residents, but also other villages. The Social Affairs Ministry will provide Rp 2.8 billion for 28 villages in South Lampung for social harmony programs, Rp 255 million in social disaster support funds and cash compensation of Rp 5 million for each victimized family.

“The aid is stimulant in nature, meaning we must also allocate funds next year. As head of province, I thank the central government. Without help we would face difficulties in coping with post-conflict issues due to limited funds,” said Sjachroedin.

Lampung Information and Communications Office head Sutoto said restoration of public facilities in the conflict area would be carried out comprehensively.

“The homes, public facilities, schools and houses of worship will be restored. The People’s Housing Ministry and Office of the Coordinating People’s Welfare Minister are currently preparing an environmental assessment on the facilities which will be handed over to the provincial administration,” he said.

Meanwhile, elementary school students in Balinuraga resumed lessons on Wednesday, despite the lack of materials such as books, pencils or uniforms which were all destroyed during the trouble. “Today the students will attend school because if we delay the teaching and learning activities, they may lag behind in lessons,” headmaster of state elementary school SD 3 Balinuraga, Nyoman Nadra, said on Wednesday.