President Yudhoyono said security agencies, territorial commands, or local governments and religious and community leaders must care about the need to maintain inter-religious harmony.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for a thorough investigation into Sunday`s violence against Ahmadiyah followers in Cikeusik, Pandeglang, Banten.

Speaking at a press conference at his office here on Monday President Yudhoyono said an investigation had to be made so that those who were guilty in the incident that left three peole dead would be known.

"I have instructed a thorough investigation to know the cause of the incident and what had really happened with the aim of finding and punishing those guilty of violating the law," he said.

President Yudhoyono on the occasion also expressed regret and grave concern over the deadly clash between Ahmadiyah Islamic sect followers and a crowd of local residents.

The President said through the investigation it would be known whether the incident could actually have been prevented but had happened because no effective prevention measures had been taken by security forces or the local government.

"Therefore, sanctions and penalties also have to be given including to the two parties. Those breaking the law must also be given sanctions because we cannot tolerate incidents like this to happen again in the future," he said.

President Yudhoyono said security agencies, territorial commands, or local governments and religious and community leaders must care about the need to maintain inter-religious harmony.

"I will study the results of the investigation and then will ask all parties not to be off guard and not to undermine situation in case there are signs of violence. Proper measures must be taken and they must not wait until clashes occur," he said.

He also asked security agencies including the police and territorial commands to act professionally and firmly in preventing violences and in dealing with the perpetrators.

"The people wish to get clarity over the problem and therefore I hope the central as well as local governments would immediately carry out their duty and responsibility following the incident," he said.

President Yudhoyono also reminded all parties of the importance to uphold the agreement put in the joint decree of the minister of religious affairs, the minister of home affairs and the attorney general on the existence of Ahmadiyah issued by the government in 2008.

"That is one of the best options to settle the problem and prevent possible horizontal problems. They must really be adhered to," he said.

To all government officials, the President had also appealed to conduct investigation to see which party that has not adhered to the joint decree.

"If the agreement is reached, upheld, adhered to and implemented a clash like this physical clash and other kinds of violent acts could be prevented," he said.

Coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs Djoko Suyanto meanwhile said the government was trying to conduct early detention against possible violence.

He admitted it would take time to settle the Ahmadiyah problem because it had to do with the belief, way of thinking of a community.

He emphasized the importance of a fair justice to settle the case of violence on Sunday in Banten.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011