TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated his optimism that the Shia conflict in Sampang, East Java, will be resolved soon, particularly after the Minister of Religious Affairs, Suryadharma Ali, had some discussions with ulemas in East Java.
"Insya Allah [the solution] will work, though it needs process," SBY said as he opened the cabinet plenary assembly in the Presidential Office on Friday, August 2.
SBY said that the discussions resulted in positive and constructive suggestions. "Provocations are not necessary. It will only worsen the condition," the President added.
According to an information acquired by Tempo, one of the most important points of the discussion is to bring the Shia refugees back to their hometown in Sampang by December 2013 at the latest. The refugees are currently staying in Sidoarjo, East Java. However, during the discussion, Suryadharma stated his hope that the Shia people will get an 'enlightenment'.
PRIHANDOKO