"They cannot stay in the stadium forever."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Courage is required to settle a religious conflict in Sampang, Madura, East Java province, said Waluyo, a senior official at the Social Affairs Ministry.

Two Muslim siblings, Tajul Muluk and Roisul Hukama, began to fight, which resulted in a religious conflict in the area. We have to find a solution, he said on Tuesday.

Waluyo, who looks into government management and human relations at the Social Affairs Ministry, made this statement after visiting several refugees at an indoor tennis stadium in Sampang.

According to him, there are inadequate facilities at the stadium.

Three months ago, a mob consisting of 500 members of the country`s largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, attacked a group of Shiite students and teachers, leaving seven people injured and two people dead.

235 Shiites have been relocated to the Sampang sports centre. Thirty eight people are ill, suffering from respiratory infections and diarrhoea.

According to government and police investigations, the conflict arose from a sibling rivalry between a Shiite cleric, Tajul Muluk, and a prominent Nahdlatul Ulama member, Roisul Humaka, after the brothers founded an Islamic boarding school each in Karanggayam village, Sampang. The schools are located close to one another.

A problem arose when a female student, Rois, decided to marry Tajul, one of his schools students.

In December 2011, a Shiite group was attacked by Sunnis in Sampang. After the attacks, Rois reported Tajul to the local police, claiming that he had tainted Islam. Tajul had been charged for blasphemy and for causing public anxiety.

In light of the recent attacks, Rois has been detained by several police officers, after a witness said Rois had provoked a mob to attack the Shiites in Sampang.

Although the conflict had stemmed from a family conflict, it has developed into a religious conflict now. However, the government and the Nahdlatul Ulama insist that the quarrel is still a family matter.

In the meantime, the Director of Children`s prosperity at the Social Affairs Ministry, Nahar, said he has provided money to 77 children, who are refugees. Every child has received around one million rupiah.

More assistance is required to maintain the kids' health.

The central and regional government will not ignore the needs of around 200 refugees who have been living in the refugee camp for about three months.

Edi Purwinarto, an Assistant to the East Java Governor, said the local government is looking into the security of the refugees.

"We have offered an alternative temporary shelter either in apartments in Sidoarjo or at housing complexes near Sampang. They cannot stay in the stadium forever," Edi said.

Based on Law No 7, 2012, with regard to the settlement of social conflicts, local governments play an important role to stop violence in the country.
(Uu.E002/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013