The government’s action regarding the Shia community Sampang is truly odd. When tens of Sampang residents made an effort to end the conflict with the Shia community there, the government instead chose be silent. Not a single statement of support was released by the government to maintain the declaration of peace.
The public is baffled by the government’s "act of silence". No government official made a comment or declared their support over the signing of the peace treaty last Monday. When Sampang residents gathered to shake the hands of the Shia outcasts in Sidoarjo, then signed the peace treaty, government officials from East Java, or even Sampang, were nowhere to be seen despite the importance of this agreement. It included how the Sampang community has asked the Shia community to return to their homeland and live together in peace.
The government and law enforcers have been taking the wrong steps since the beginning in handling the Sampang conflict. For example, they chose to imprison Shia Sampang leader Ali Murtadlo, a.k.a. Ustad Tajul Muluk, by charging him with defamation of religion. He was jailed for two years despite the fact that he and his group were the victims of an attack.
The lack of concern the government has towards the Shia people of Sampang is an extreme disappointment to the public. Shia’s reconciliation team, formed by Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali along with the East Java administration, lacked the determination to make peace for the people of Sampang.
For example, when they suggested reconciliation, the Shia people were allowed to return from their evacuation location. But, the Shia were required to repent, a prerequisite rejected by the Shia community. The Shia community was able to reject it based on legal grounds, which is included in Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution which clearly says that the state guarantees each citizen the freedom of religion and freedom to worship according their religion and beliefs.
Now, the way towards peace has been paved by the people of Sampang themselves. The reconciliation team should take quick action in trying to prolong this attempt for peace. They must immediately facilitate the return of the Shia people.
In addition to rebuilding their homes, what is more important is to promote peace by asking religious figures and the community there to gather. Aside from that, they should temporarily deploy peace officers in the region. In a number of regions, such as Maluku, this way has proven to be successful in attempting to reduce conflicts. (*)
