The violence in Sampang was not purely a sectarian conflict; it also involved a family feud.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed regret over the violence against the Shiite Muslim community in Sampang district, Madura Island, stating that the incident undermines peace and harmony in the region.
"We regret the incident, and frankly speaking, it negatively affects peace and harmony in our society, particularly in Sampang," he said at his office here on Monday.
Moreover, the President added, the violence " which claimed some lives" took place when the Muslims had just finished celebrating Id-ul-Fitr after a month-long fast.
The head of state called on religious and community figures to help restore peace and harmony in the area.
The violence in Sampang was not purely a sectarian conflict; it also involved a family feud.
President Yudhoyono, however, expressed his commitment to solving the problem and preventing similar incidents from happening again in the future.
The attack against the Shiite Muslims in Nanggernang, Karanggayam village, Omben sub-district, Sampang, was the second in the past two years.
In December 2011, an anti-Shiite group attacked a Shiite mosque, an Islamic boarding school, and a house belonging to a local Shiite leader.
More than 200 Shiite followers were moved to safer places, and a joint team of police and military officers was set up to help mediate the conflict.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
