"We discussed the problem with regard to finding a solution to accelerate reconciliation especially ahead of `Lebaran` (post-fasting holiday) involving among others the chairman of the reconciliation team Professor Abdullah A`la who is the rector of state Sunan Ampel Islamic Institutes," he said here on Thursday.
Several cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials were seen attending the closed-door meeting including coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs Djoko Suyanto, religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali, coordinating minister for economic affairs Hatta Rajasa, defense forces commander Admiral Agus Suhartono and national police chief General Timur Pradopo.
East Java deputy governor Saifullah Yusuf said he hoped the meeting would find a solution of the Shiite problem in Madura.
He said the expulsion of the Shiites from their homes had happened a year ago but they still could not be returned to their homes despite a number of meetings to find a solution of the problem due to rejection from the community.
As part of efforts to solve the problem the government has set up a reconciliation team led by professor A`la.
The government also plans to resettle them, at a better place in Sidoarjo in East Java.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
